In an unprecedented gathering of top regulatory agencies, private sector players, processors, exporters and all value chain actors,  the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s industrial future through a robust directive on the export of unprocessed rubber, cashew, and sheathe forum, held at Tema in the greater Accra region, was convened by the TCDA to deepen awareness and understanding of its legal mandate, the export directive issued on May 2nd 2025 and the urgent need for value chain compliance. At the center of this initiative was the Authority’s CEO, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, who delivered a clear and compelling message about Ghana’s need to retain raw materials for local industry.

“This forum marks a turning point in how we regulate and support the tree crops sector,” said Dr. Okrah. “Our aim is not to punish exporters, but to educate, regulate, and coordinate. We brought everyone here from Customs,Ports,Police, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Banks, Rubber processors, producers, to rubber exporters because it’s time we all understood what the Tree Crops Development Authority stands for.”

He continued: “Our mandate under Act 1010 and Legislative Instrument 2471 is clear: before any raw or unprocessed rubber, cashew or shea leaves this country, TCDA must give written approval/permit. We’re now fully activating Regulation 50, which prioritizes the supply of raw materials to local industry before anything is exported.”

The high-stakes forum was attended by officials from the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), Customs Division, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Police Service, and leaders from rubber processing factories and farming groups. The objective is to ensure that every actor in the value chain is well-informed and fully aligned with the national strategy to retain and process tree crops locally.

“This is not just a directive it is a strategy for national survival,” Dr. Okrah emphasized. “In 2023/24 alone, Ghana lost more than GHS 22.5 million due to the unchecked export of raw rubber. Meanwhile, our local processors are underfed and struggling. If we continue down this path, factories will close, jobs will be lost, and our industrial dreams will collapse.”

The new directive, effective May 2, 2025, mandates that all exporters of unprocessed rubber, cashew, or shea must apply for and obtain a written permit or otherwise from the TCDA before any goods are cleared for export. The move is aimed at ensuring priority supply to local processors, bolstering job creation, and enhancing value addition.

“This is about building a 24-hour economy,” Dr. Okrah explained. “Right now, our six major rubber processing factories employ over 1,400 people. With full raw material supply and three-shift operations, that number could rise to 6,000 or more. But if we continue to export raw rubber without regulation, we will lose even the 1,400 jobs we currently have.”

Beyond enforcement, the forum served as a public education platform for all value chain actors. Dr. Okrah stressed that TCDA is open and ready to engage with all legitimate actors in the sector.

“We’re not here to block business. We’re here to promote responsible and coordinated growth. If you are a registered exporter in good standing, simply reach out to TCDA. Submit your intent to export. We will assess the national needs and direct you accordingly, either to a local processor or to grant export approval.”

The forum also featured compelling input from Dr. Ishmael Nii Amanor Dodoo, Head of Innovative Finance and Markets at the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Exports Secretariat. He warned that Ghana’s reliance on raw material exports perpetuates economic weakness.

“We are running a colonial economy,” Dr. Dodoo said. “We export what we grow raw, and import it back ten times the price. This has to stop. Tree crops are our opportunity to industrialize but only if we process them here in Ghana.”

He added: “Last year, we spent $637 million importing cosmetics that could be made here from our own shea butter. This is why the TCDA’s action is critical. They’re not just enforcing policy they’re transforming Ghana’s economic destiny.”

Echoing this sentiment, Emmanuel Akwesi Owusu, President of the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAC), emphasized the crippling effect of poor regulation on financing and sector investment.

“Until now, banks withdrew from supporting rubber farmers because of uncertainty. Today marks a turning point. With TCDA now enforcing these rules, I believe we’ll see renewed confidence and growth. This directive is the right step, and the industry is fully behind it.”

Mr. Abubakari Ibrahim, General Secretary of the Natural Rubber Association of Ghana, added that the forum was "timely and necessary" for national expansion.

“We can’t grow our industry without unity. TCDA’s move is bold, but it’s the right kind of bold. We need awareness, education, and enforcement, and this forum has laid the foundation.”

As Dr. Okrah concluded the event, he reiterated TCDA’s commitment to collaboration, transparency, and accountability.