Damongo, Savannah Region – The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, has pledged to establish a regional office in the Savannah Region as part of efforts to strengthen the development and regulation of the shea industry and other tree crops in Northern Ghana.
Dr. Okrah made the commitment during a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, at his palace in Damongo on Monday, 8th June, 2026 as part of a working visit to the Savannah Region.
The visit was aimed at fostering collaboration between the TCDA and traditional authorities to promote the sustainable growth of the shea sector, which remains a major source of livelihood for thousands of people, particularly women, across the five northern regions of Ghana.
During the meeting, Dr. Okrah formally introduced himself and outlined the mandate of the Tree Crops Development Authority, which is responsible for the regulation and development of six selected tree crops: cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea.
Discussions centered on measures to safeguard and expand the shea industry, with particular attention given to addressing the indiscriminate felling of shea trees and the persistent threat of bushfires, both of which pose significant risks to shea production and sustainability.
The TCDA CEO emphasized the need for intensified public education and community engagement to protect the country’s shea resources, noting that the destruction of shea trees constitutes an offence under the Authority’s Legislative Instrument (L.I. 2471).
Dr. Okrah further reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting value addition within the shea value chain to create employment opportunities, increase incomes, and drive economic growth across Northern Ghana and beyond.
As part of efforts to accelerate growth in the sector, he highlighted the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the TCDA and Golden Forest Limited. The agreement is expected to boost research, attract investment, and enhance the overall development of Ghana’s shea industry.
The CEO assured the Yagbonwura that the Authority is committed to establishing a regional presence in the Savannah Region to improve coordination, regulation, and support services for stakeholders in the tree crops sector.
Welcoming the delegation, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged his full support towards the development of the shea industry and other tree crops in the region.
The revered traditional ruler also urged the Authority to expedite plans to establish a TCDA zonal office in the Savannah Region to ensure effective service delivery and closer engagement with farmers, processors, and industry players.
The visit forms part of the Authority’s broader stakeholder engagement strategy aimed at strengthening tree crop production, enhancing regulatory compliance, and increasing public awareness of the TCDA’s mandate, laws, and policies across the country.
Stakeholders believe the planned establishment of a TCDA office in the Savannah Region will serve as a major boost to the shea industry and help unlock the vast economic potential of tree crops in Northern Ghana.
Source: Padfm.com.gh /Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
