Ghana has taken a major step to curb the illegal transportation and smuggling of its tree crops with the commissioning of 85 compliance and enforcement officers under the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA).
The newly appointed officers, forming the Authority’s maiden enforcement cohort, will tackle unfair trade, illegal imports and exports, and ensure the payment of statutory levies and taxes across the tree crop value chain. The initiative is aimed at promoting fairness, eliminating illegal activities, and supporting sustainable growth in sectors critical to Ghana’s economy.
The team, consisting of 70 males and 15 females, underwent rigorous physical and knowledge-based training on the legal mandates of the TCDA. They will monitor key crops including cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea, which continue to face challenges that limit their economic potential.
Persistent illegal imports have hindered Ghana from fully benefiting from these sectors, making the deployment of the enforcement officers timely.
Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, described the initiative as a protective and educational measure rather than an intimidation tactic. “This Compliance and Enforcement Unit is designed to educate and protect farmers and value chain actors, safeguard investments, enforce standards, and restore confidence within the sector. It is a clear signal that the government is determined to curb illegal practices, eliminate non-compliance, and promote responsible participation that supports productivity, revenue generation, and national development,” he said.
Opoku highlighted the role of the TCDA in advancing the government’s flagship programs, including the Agriculture for Economic Transformation (AETA) and Feed Ghana Programme (FGP). “The TCDA’s catalytic role, particularly under the Feed the Industry component, ensures the supply of raw materials to local industries,” he noted.
Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive of the TCDA, added that the taskforce will work closely with other security agencies to bring order to the sector. “Issuing Conveyance Certificates and the use of TCDA-branded sacks will prevent harassment and extortion of our stakeholders on the roads. Once our colleagues see a genuine certificate or permit, they must allow the free flow of produce,” he stated.
With this enforcement unit in place, the government is confident that Ghana’s tree crop sector will experience greater regulation, efficiency, and contribution to national economic growth.
