To strengthen partnerships and explore new opportunities in Ghana's tree crops sector, the Deputy Managing Director of GCB Bank, Mr. Abraham Yahaya Fergusson, along with Executive Director Mr. Sam Y. Aidoo and the bank’s management team, visited Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA). The high-level courtesy call, held at the TCDA Executive Office, was a significant step in boosting value chain investments and financing in Ghana's tree crop industries.
The primary aim of the visit was to explore strategic partnerships designed to unlock financing opportunities and foster sustainable growth in key tree crops sectors, including cashew, shea, coconut, mango, rubber, and oil palm. Both GCB Bank and the TCDA are committed to fostering innovation and providing critical support for the development of these industries, which are vital to Ghana's economy.
During the meeting, discussions centered on potential financing opportunities within the value chains of these high-value crops. The focus was on strengthening the financial infrastructure supporting farmers and businesses in these sectors, with an emphasis on improving productivity, market access, and profitability.
Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, Acting CEO of TCDA, expressed his gratitude for the visit and emphasized the importance of collaboration between financial institutions and agricultural stakeholders to drive real impact. He pointed out that the TCDA’s mission aligns closely with GCB Bank's goals of supporting sustainable tree crops development through effective financing mechanisms.
“We are excited to collaborate with GCB Bank on these crucial sectors,” Dr. Okrah said. “These crops have immense potential to transform Ghana's agricultural landscape. With the right financial backing, we can address challenges such as low productivity and limited market access, creating substantial economic opportunities for all.”
The visit concluded with both parties expressing mutual interest in moving forward with practical initiatives that will ensure the long-term success of these vital sectors. With Dr. Okrah’s leadership at TCDA and GCB Bank’s expertise in financial solutions, the partnership holds great promise for advancing Ghana’s tree crop value chains, paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous sector.