The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has urged African governments to boost investment in cashew processing, arguing that the continent currently exports most of its raw nuts while importing finished products that could be made locally. The call came during the African Cashew Alliance Conference, where Deputy Director of Agriculture Dr Harry Bleppony spoke on behalf of the minister.
Bleppony said that value addition is the greatest opportunity for the industry, noting that Africa’s share of global cashew production is significant but its share of the value chain remains low. “Over the years, Africa has exported large quantities of raw cashew nuts whilst importing processed cashew products that could have been produced within our own economies. We must reverse this trend,” he said.
The deputy director highlighted that processing is not merely an industrial activity but a catalyst for rural economic transformation. “Cashew processing can create jobs for women and youth, stimulate local economies, and generate additional demands for locally produced raw materials,” he added.
He pointed to Ghana’s expanding cashew sector as an example, noting its importance for farming communities in Bono East, Ahafo and Savannah. The government is committed to building a productive, competitive, sustainable, and value‑added industry, with a focus on improving productivity, quality and market access.
Key measures identified include better planting materials, good agricultural practices, farmer training and stronger extension services. Bleppony warned that poor post‑harvest practices—such as improper harvesting, drying and storage—could reduce quality and market value. “Quality must become a shared responsibility across the entire cashew value chain,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) is intensifying regulation of Ghana’s cashew sector from production through processing and export. Dr Rich Kofi Kofituo, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Operations at the TCDA, said the authority is working to ensure that activities across the value chain are properly regulated and coordinated. “Now that is what we are trying to do, to ensure that we regulate the space and ensure that everything happens in a structured manner,” he said.
As Africa seeks to capture more value from its cashew harvest, the Ministry and TCDA are pushing for infrastructure, technology and logistics investments that will enable local processing, job creation and rural development.
