The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), in collaboration with the Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Programme II (GPSCP II), has held its second National Stakeholder Engagement and Sensitisation Programme in Sunyani in the Bono Region.
The engagement forms part of the Authority’s ongoing national programme to deepen understanding and implementation of the laws and regulations governing Ghana’s tree crops sector.
It also provided an opportunity to assess the Authority’s performance and achievements under its current management and discuss priorities for 2027 and beyond.
The programme focused on the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010) and the Tree Crops Development Authority Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2471).
The engagement was aimed at improving stakeholders’ understanding of the legal and regulatory framework, strengthening collaboration among value-chain actors and law enforcement agencies, and promoting compliance and sustainable growth in the sector.
The forum was led by the Chief Executive Officer of the TCDA, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, and the Board Chairman, Prof. William Oduro.
The Bono Regional Minister was represented by an Assistant Director at the Bono Regional Coordinating Council, Samuel Mbo.
The programme also received support from the Team Lead of GPSCP II, Juliana Ofori-Karikari.
Stakeholders discuss Act 1010 and L.I. 2471
The forum brought together stakeholders from across the tree crops value chain and related institutions, including the Ghana Police Service, the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, media practitioners, farmers, processors, traders, aggregators and transporters.
Discussions and presentations focused on key provisions of Act 1010 and L.I. 2471, including registration and licensing, quality assurance, traceability, pricing, conveyance certification, enforcement and compliance.
The engagement provided an opportunity for stakeholders to gain a clearer understanding of regulatory requirements and the responsibilities of various actors under the law.
It also created a platform to discuss practical challenges affecting the implementation of the regulatory framework and the need for stronger coordination among institutions responsible for ensuring compliance within the sector.
TCDA performance assessed
Beyond sensitisation, the forum provided an opportunity to assess the Authority’s performance and achievements under the current management and discuss the way forward for 2027 and beyond.
It also sought to clarify the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders under the law and strengthen collaboration between the TCDA and law enforcement agencies to improve compliance across the tree crops value chain.
The participation of the Ghana Police Service and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority underscored the importance of inter-agency cooperation in strengthening enforcement and ensuring that activities within the sector comply with applicable laws and regulations.
CEO calls for collective responsibility
In his remarks, Dr Andy Osei Okrah highlighted the Authority’s achievements and performance and stressed the need for collective responsibility in regulating the tree crops sector.
He called for continued cooperation among value-chain actors, regulatory institutions, law enforcement agencies and development partners to ensure that the provisions of Act 1010 and L.I. 2471 are fully understood and effectively implemented.
He said sustained stakeholder collaboration was necessary to translate the regulatory framework into effective compliance, improved coordination and sustainable growth across Ghana’s tree crops sector.
GPSCP II supports sensitisation programme
The engagement was supported by GPSCP II, implemented by NIRAS and Proforest, which are development partners supporting the TCDA’s efforts to sensitise stakeholders and promote awareness of the Authority’s regulatory framework.
The programme forms part of the TCDA’s broader efforts to bring stakeholders closer to its regulatory processes, strengthen compliance and promote a more organised, transparent and sustainable tree crops sector.
The Sunyani engagement is expected to further strengthen collaboration among the TCDA, stakeholders, law enforcement agencies and development partners as the Authority continues implementing Act 1010 and L.I. 2471 and prepares for the next phase of its work beyond 2026.
