Tema, May 14, GNA – The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has convened a high-level stakeholder forum to raise awareness of its directive on the export of unprocessed rubber, cashew and shea.

It was also to promote compliance across the value chain.

The forum, held in Tema, brought together key regulatory agencies, exporters, processors, farmers, security officials, and financial institutions to discuss the enforcement of the Authority’s legal mandate under Act 1010 and Legislative Instrument 2471.

Dr Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, said the forum marked a turning point in the regulation and support of Ghana’s tree crops sector.

“Our aim is not to punish exporters, but to educate, regulate, and coordinate,” he said.

“We have brought everyone together – Customs, Ports, Police, Export Promotion Authority, Banks, Rubber Processors and Exporters -because it is time we understood what the Tree Crops Development Authority stands for.”

He explained that the Authority’s directive, effective May 2, 2025, mandates that no raw or unprocessed rubber, cashew or shea may be exported without written approval or a permit from TCDA.

“We are now fully activating Regulation 50, which prioritises the supply of raw materials to local industry before any export is permitted,” he said.

Dr Okrah said the directive was in line with national efforts to retain raw materials for domestic processing and industrial growth.

“In 2023/2024 alone, Ghana lost over GH¢22.5 million through the unchecked export of raw rubber. Meanwhile, our local processors remain underfed and are struggling. If this trend continues, we risk closing factories, losing jobs, and derailing our industrial vision,” he said.

He noted that Ghana’s six major rubber processing factories currently employ more than 1,400 people, a figure that could rise to over 6,000 with adequate raw material supply and the implementation of three-shift operations.

“This is about building a 24-hour economy. Without regulation, we stand to lose even the 1,400 jobs we currently have,” Dr Okrah said.

He reiterated that the Authority was not against legitimate business but rather keen to ensure coordinated and responsible growth.

“Registered exporters in good standing should engage TCDA, declare their intent to export, and allow the Authority to assess national needs. Based on that, we will either direct supply to local processors or grant export approval,” he said.

Dr Ishmael Nii Amanor Dodoo, Head of Innovative Finance and Markets at the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Exports Secretariat, described the unchecked export of raw materials as a major hindrance to Ghana’s industrial aspirations.

“We are running a colonial economy – exporting raw materials and importing finished goods at many times the cost,” he said. “Last year alone, Ghana spent US$637 million importing cosmetics that could have been produced locally using shea butter.”

He described the TCDA directive as a critical intervention in transforming Ghana’s economic future.

Mr Emmanuel Akwesi Owusu, President of the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAC), said the directive was restoring confidence in the sector, particularly among financial institutions.

“Banks had withdrawn from supporting rubber farmers due to uncertainty. This marks a turning point,” he said.

Mr Abubakari Ibrahim, General Secretary of the Natural Rubber Association of Ghana, described the forum as timely and necessary, and lauded TCDA for its bold and decisive leadership.

“We cannot grow the industry without unity, awareness, and enforcement. This forum has laid the right foundation,” he said.

Dr Okrah closed the session by affirming the Authority’s commitment to collaboration, transparency, and accountability.

GNA

BAS