The Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs has commended the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) for what it described as impressive strides made under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, since his assumption of office in February this year.
During a courtesy visit to the Authority’s head office in Accra, the Committee praised the TCDA’s strengthened regulatory approach, increased visibility, and ongoing stakeholder engagements which they say have begun to yield results in Ghana’s burgeoning tree crops industry.
“The Authority has demonstrated excellence in its short time under new leadership,” said Committee Chairman Dr (PhD) Godfred Seidu Jasaw.
“Despite the challenges of funding and compliance enforcement, the TCDA has shown significant promise. We are committed to supporting its initiatives, including capacity-building workshops and collaborative interventions that will empower all actors in the value chain.”
Dr Jasaw added that the Committee was particularly impressed by the TCDA’s strategic direction and efforts to build credibility for the institution. He assured that Parliament would give the necessary backing to fast-track the Authority’s mandate of transforming Ghana’s non-traditional export crops.
Since its establishment under the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010), the TCDA has been tasked with regulating and promoting the production, processing, and marketing of six priority tree crops — cashew, shea, mango, coconut, rubber, and oil palm — with the aim of diversifying Ghana’s agriculture-dependent economy beyond cocoa.
Dr Andy Osei Okrah expressed appreciation to the MPs for their encouragement and reiterated the Authority’s resolve to build an inclusive and commercially viable tree crops sector.
“We are building a robust and efficient Authority that works for every stakeholder along the tree crops value chain,” Dr Okrah said. “The Committee’s support is invaluable, and we look forward to deeper collaboration in building a sustainable future for Ghana’s tree crops sector.”
The delegation included notable members such as Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey (Vice Chairman), Isaac Yaw Opoku (Ranking Member), Seth Osei-Akoto (Deputy Ranking), and Linda Obenewaa Ocloo (Greater Accra Regional Minister), among other Members of Parliament.
