The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, has reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Ghana’s shea industry through sustainable cultivation, conservation and value addition.
Dr. Okrah made the commitment when he joined the Chief of Staff, Hon. Julius Debrah, the Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, Hon. Goosie Tanoh, the Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. John Dumelo, and the Managing Director of the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), Aaron Adu, at the official Shea Tree Planting Ceremony held at Jubilee House.
The event, organised by the Global Shea Alliance to mark Shea Month, highlighted the importance of protecting and expanding Ghana’s shea tree population while promoting the crop as a strategic driver of economic growth, exports and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Andy Okrah’s participation underscored the TCDA’s determination to position shea as one of Ghana’s most valuable commercial tree crops.
As the statutory regulator and promoter of the shea industry, the Authority has continued to pursue policies and partnerships aimed at increasing production, improving farmer livelihoods and strengthening the entire shea value chain.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Dr. Okrah stressed that sustainable cultivation and conservation of shea trees remain critical to ensuring long-term economic benefits for farming communities, particularly women and youth who dominate the sector.
He noted that the Authority is committed to supporting programmes that encourage the planting of more shea trees, improve access to quality planting materials and promote modern farming practices to increase productivity.
According to him, value addition remains central to the Authority’s strategy, explaining that expanding local processing will create jobs, boost household incomes and increase Ghana’s competitiveness in the global shea market.
Dr. Okrah further emphasised that the TCDA will continue collaborating with government institutions, development partners and private investors to unlock the full potential of the shea industry in line with the government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
He said initiatives such as the Shea Tree Planting Ceremony demonstrate the importance of collective action in protecting Ghana’s natural resources while creating sustainable economic opportunities for future generations.
The event brought together key government officials, development partners and stakeholders in the shea value chain, who reaffirmed their shared commitment to expanding shea production and promoting environmental conservation.
Under Dr. Andy Osei Okrah’s leadership, the TCDA has continued to champion initiatives that enhance productivity, support farmers and encourage investment in Ghana’s tree crops sector, with shea identified as one of the country’s key export commodities capable of contributing significantly to national economic transformation.
