TCDA Graduates First Cohort of Compliance and Enforcement Officers
The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, has marked a major milestone with the graduation of the first cohort of its Compliance and Enforcement Officers, a move aimed at strengthening regulation and restoring order in Ghana’s tree crops sector.
The ceremony, held in Accra, was graced by the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, as Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the national importance government attaches to the development and regulation of the tree crops industry and the wider agricultural sector.
The newly trained officers, drawn from various parts of the country, completed an intensive programme covering regulatory compliance, field inspection, dispute resolution, environmental protection and the legal framework governing the sector under the Tree Crops Development Authority Act. Their core mandate will be to monitor plantations, nurseries, aggregators, processors and exporters to ensure adherence to licensing requirements, quality standards and sustainable production practices.
Addressing the gathering, Hon. Eric Opoku commended TCDA for operationalising its enforcement mandate, describing effective regulation as critical to protecting farmers, attracting responsible investment and safeguarding Ghana’s reputation on the international market for commodities such as cashew, cocoa, coconut, shea, oil palm, mango and rubber. He stressed that the government’s agricultural transformation agenda depended on strong institutions capable of enforcing rules, eliminating illegal practices and promoting value addition. He charged the officers to perform their duties with professionalism, integrity and firmness, while collaborating with traditional authorities, security agencies and local government structures.
Dr. Andy Osei Okrah described the graduation as a historic turning point for the Authority, noting that weak regulation in the past had contributed to challenges such as the use of unapproved seedlings, price distortions, smuggling and poor compliance with export standards. According to him, the deployment of trained Compliance and Enforcement Officers will help streamline the value chain, protect genuine investors, improve traceability and ensure that farmers receive fair value for their produce.
He added that the initiative would support key government programmes, including the Presidential Tree Crops Development Initiative, and strengthen efforts to position Ghana as a competitive hub for agro-processing and export. Dr. Osei Okrah further announced that the officers would be deployed across major producing corridors nationwide and would work closely with district assemblies, research institutions and farmer associations to promote best agronomic practices and environmental sustainability.
