The Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr. John Setor Dumelo, has officially inaugurated the newly constituted board of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), a key body driving Ghana’s agricultural diversification and economic transformation efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku (MP), Mr. Dumelo highlighted the strategic role of the TCDA in advancing the government's Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA). He urged the new board to adopt forward-looking, climate-smart, and sustainable policies to expand the country’s tree crops sector.

“Tree crops represent a vital pillar in our economic transformation strategy,” Mr. Dumelo emphasized, reaffirming President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to positioning agriculture as a central engine of national growth. He called on the board to prioritize access to improved planting materials, strengthen extension services, and promote environmentally sustainable practices across the value chain. Key directives from the Deputy Minister included, expanding acreage of key tree crops using climate-smart techniques, Streamlining registration, traceability, and quality assurance systems. Mr. Dumelo also stressed the importance of close collaboration between the Board, the TCDA Management, the Ministry, and relevant stakeholders. “Together, we can build a competitive, equitable, and impactful tree crops sector,” he stated, congratulating the board and expressing hope for a transformative tenure.

The newly constituted Board is chaired by Professor William Oduro. Other members include, Paul Siameh – Chief Director, Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Simpson Ahi from MOTAI, Hon. Thomas Ampem – Ministry of Finance, Hon. Dr. Andrews Osei Okrah  as the Secretary, Dr. Allen Kwesi Asante-Yeboah, Sadat Kishiwale, Dr. Samuel Hodor Mensah, Mr. Vitus Pumwan Layen, Mr. Sie Kwabena Simon, Abdulai Abdul-Mumim, Mr. Raphael Yussif Amankwa, Mr. Charles Kwame Kumah, Sutha Anita, Hajia Rabiatu Abubakari Gurunpaga, Alhaji Imoroissifu, Santanu Kumar Bhuya, Mr. Shetty Gangadhar, Mr. Daniel Kojo Nyame.

Additional members include Ms. Cecilia Annan, Godfred Obeng Amoakoh, Paul Lawrence Appiah, Perry Acheampong, Frederick Agyapong Koranteng, Kweku Kum, Mr. James Boateng, and Ismael Kwao Boafo.

In his remarks, Professor William Oduro expressed the board’s appreciation to the Minister for the confidence entrusted in them. He pledged to lead the TCDA into a new era of sustainable growth and robust regulatory oversight.

“Our goal is to transform Ghana into a global leader in sustainable tree crop production, ensuring economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and inclusive growth, especially for smallholder farmers,” Prof. Oduro stated. He also underscored the board’s commitment to transparency and accountability through annual reporting, regular stakeholder engagement, and judicious use of public funds.

The Tree Crops Development Authority was established under the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010). The Authority is mandated to regulate and promote the development of six key tree crops in Ghana: cashew, shea, mango, coconut, rubber, and oil palm. These crops are considered critical to Ghana’s export diversification and rural economic empowerment.