By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Usibras Ghana Limited, one of the country’s largest cashew processors, says persistent challenges in the sector have crippled its ability to sustain production, pushing the company to consider relocating to neighbouring Ivory Coast.
The Brazil-owned processor, which has operated in Ghana for over a decade, runs a plant with an annual capacity of 35,000 metric tonnes. But in 2025, it managed to secure only 7,000 MT of raw cashew nuts—barely a fifth of its requirement.
This supply crisis, management said, has forced the company to cut down its 24-hour production cycle and lay off part of its 700-strong workforce.
Adding to the strain are the rising cost of electricity and other utilities, export tariffs—including a 15% duty on cashew products exported to the United States—and the difficulty of keeping operations continuous without steady raw material flow.
“These persistent challenges are crippling our ability to produce at scale,” company officials warned, noting that without swift government action, Ghana risks losing not just a processor but an anchor in the cashew value chain.
The potential relocation could deal a heavy blow to farmers, service providers, and government revenue streams, as Usibras contributes significantly to foreign exchange inflows, SSNIT, and PAYE.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr. Andy Osei Okrah during a meeting with Mr. António Caramelo Raposo, General Manager of Usibras Ghana Limited, acknowledged the strategic importance of Usibras Ghana within the national cashew value chain, assured the company of TCDA’s continued commitment in enhancing its regulatory framework and LI 2471 to streamline the cashew industry and create a transparent environment for all value chain actors.
He emphasized the Authority’s proactive initiatives, including the Tree Crops Diversification Project, which aims to supply farmers with high-quality seedlings to boost plantation development, a move expected to directly benefit processors like Usibras to expand their production capacity in the near future.
Mr. Raposo expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, describing it as a positive step towards resolving industry bottlenecks and strengthening collaboration between government agencies and private sector players.
Without such intervention, Ghana’s cashew industry could see reduced investment confidence, while Ivory Coast continues to attract processors with its farmer-friendly and processor-focused policies.
