Dr. Andy Osei Okrah among some of the staff of Usibras during the visit
As Ghana advances its 24-hour economy policy to create sustainable employment, the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) is actively engaging industry players, particularly in the processing sector.
In line with this initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, paid a working visit to Usibras Ghana Limited, the country’s largest cashew processing company, to assess operational challenges and explore strategies for industry growth.
The visit to Usibras Ghana Limited, located in Prampram in the Greater Accra Region, follows a successful tour by TCDA in the Western and Central Regions, where it engaged stakeholders across the tree crops value chain.
With its headquarters in Brazil, Usibras Ghana Limited is a leading processor of cashew nuts in Ghana and West Africa, operating with a capacity of 80 metric tons per day and an annual output of 2,200 metric tons.
Currently, it employs over 600 workers, contributing significantly to the local economy.
Welcoming Dr. Okrah and his delegation, the Managing Director of Usibras Ghana, Patricio Assis, expressed appreciation for the visit and emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders in the cashew industry.
“We believe that a multi-stakeholder approach is crucial to building a sustainable and expanding cashew business in Ghana. The support of regulatory bodies like the TCDA is essential in addressing industry challenges and fostering growth,” Assis stated.
Dr. Okrah’s tour of the facility provided firsthand insights into the production chain, from raw material handling to final processing.
During discussions with management, he stressed the importance of strategic partnerships between regulatory bodies and private-sector players to unlock the full potential of Ghana’s cashew industry.
“Our goal as TCDA is to ensure that companies like Usibras have the right support to expand their operations, create more jobs, and enhance Ghana’s position in the global cashew market,” Dr. Okrah stated.
The discussions also addressed broader industry challenges, including access to raw cashew nuts, price volatility, processing infrastructure, and export market access.
Dr. Okrah reaffirmed TCDA’s commitment to implementing policies that tackle these challenges while encouraging processors to align with TCDA regulations to streamline all value chain actors in the cashew industry.
The visit marks a significant step toward strengthening Ghana’s cashew industry, positioning it as a major driver of employment and economic transformation in the tree crops sector.
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Meanwhile, catch the first in the series of our special episodes on Forgotten Forts on People and Places on GhanaWeb TV below. This episode focuses on Fort Amsterdam at Abandze: