Accra, Feb. 17, 2026 – President John Dramani Mahama has declared that Ghana will no longer export raw cashew nuts, urging industry players and investors to focus on local processing and value addition.
Speaking at the official opening of the Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit 2026 in Accra, the President stressed the economic benefits of transforming raw produce into finished products before export.
“I want to travel and buy Ghanaian produce, not raw products from India or other countries,” he said, adding: “We will no longer export raw cashew, shea nuts, or unprocessed rubber while importing the finished goods at higher costs.”
The government’s plan targets 50-60% local processing annually, expansion of agro-industrial parks, incentives for private sector participation, and stronger oversight through the Tree Crops Development Authority.
Under the National Policy on Integrated Oil-Palm Development—also called the Red Gold initiative—President Mahama noted a $500 million investment to develop 100,000 hectares of oil palm, expected to create 250,000 direct jobs and eliminate 40% of Ghana’s oil palm imports.
He highlighted the potential for youth and women to benefit from tree crops, with shea processing largely led by women, and cashew, mango, coconut, and oil palm creating jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities. Support measures include improved seedlings, farmers’ hubs, access to finance, and matching grants for small and medium enterprises.
The Summit, themed “Sustainable Growth Through Tree Crop Investments: Resetting and Building Ghana's Green Economy,” also underscored the climate benefits of tree crops, including carbon sequestration, soil preservation, biodiversity promotion, and climate resilience.
President Mahama emphasised that modern, profitable agriculture is key to inclusive economic growth and a sustainable green economy for Ghana.
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