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, Bono Region, as part of efforts to deepen understanding and implementation of the laws and regulations governing Ghana’s tree crops sector.

The engagement forms part of the Authority’s ongoing national stakeholder engagement and socialisation programme on the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010) and the Tree Crops Development Authority Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2471), as well as its assessment of the Authority’s performance and achievements so far.

The engagement was aimed at deepening stakeholders’ understanding of the legal and regulatory framework governing Ghana’s tree crops sector, assessing performance so far, and strengthening collaboration among value-chain actors, law enforcement agencies, development partners and the public to promote effective regulation, compliance and sustainable growth of the sector.

The engagement was led by the Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, Dr Andy Osei Okrah, alongside the Board Chairman, Prof. William Oduro. The Bono Regional Minister was represented by an Assistant Director at the Bono Regional Coordinating Council, Mr Samuel Mbo. The engagement also received support from the Team Lead of the Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Programme II (GPSCP II), Madam Juliana Ofori-Karikari.

Stakeholders Engage on Act 1010 and L.I. 2471
The forum brought together key 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, transporters and other actors.

Deliberations 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 deepen their understanding of the regulatory requirements and the responsibilities of various actors under the law.

It also created a platform for stakeholders to discuss practical issues affecting the implementation of the regulatory framework and the need for stronger coordination among institutions responsible for ensuring compliance within the tree crops sector.

Assessment of TCDA Performance
Beyond sensitisation, the forum also provided a platform to assess the performance and achievements so far under the current management, as well as discuss the way forward for 2027 and beyond.
It further provided an opportunity to clarify the roles and responsibilities of actors and stakeholders under the law and foster stronger collaboration, particularly between TCDA and law enforcement agencies, to ensure compliance across the tree crops value chain.

The participation of the Ghana Police Service and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation in strengthening enforcement and ensuring that activities within the tree crops sector conform to the applicable laws and regulations.

CEO Calls for Collective Responsibility
In his remarks, Dr Andy Osei Okrah emphasised the increasing achievements and performance of the Authority and the need to ensure effective regulation of the tree crops sector through collective responsibility and collaboration among all stakeholders.
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 stressed the importance of sustained stakeholder collaboration in translating 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 the Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Programme II (GPSCP II), implemented by NIRAS and Proforest, key development partners supporting TCDA’s efforts to sensitise stakeholders and promote awareness and understanding of the Authority’s regulatory framework.

The programme forms part of TCDA’s broader efforts to bring stakeholders closer to the Authority’s regulatory processes, strengthen compliance and promote a more organised, transparent and sustainable tree crops sector.
The Sunyani engagement is expected to further deepen collaboration among TCDA, stakeholders, law enforcement agencies and development partners as the Authority continues the implementation of Act 1010 and L.I. 2471 and prepares for the next phase of its work beyond 2026.