The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), operating under the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA), is set to host the sixth Council of Ministers’ Conference of the Consultative International Cashew Council (CICC) from April 16th to April 20th, 2024.
This conference aims to bolster the development of the cashew sector and foster economic and social growth among member states. It will encompass a research dialogue, a fair, and an exhibition.
Yaw Oteng, Deputy Executive Officer of TCDA, expressed Ghana’s commitment to advancing the cashew sector and showcasing its potential. He emphasized the event’s significance as an opportunity to highlight progress made in the cashew sector and attract potential investors to the country.
The Cashew Research Dialogue, scheduled from April 14th to 17th, 2024, will gather ministers, experts, and researchers from member countries to share knowledge, discuss achievements, and identify research and development gaps within the cashew industry.
Simultaneously, the Cashew Expo and Exhibition, a key component of the CICC, will showcase a diverse range of cashew products. Themed “Projecting the Cashew Sector through Local Consumption, Value Addition, and Job Creation,” the exhibition aims to educate the public about the benefits of cashew while providing a platform for local processors to explore potential markets.
Highlighting Ghana’s potential gains, Mr. Oteng emphasized the country’s opportunity to showcase its processes and potential while attracting more foreign direct investments. He urged all stakeholders in the cashew value chain and the general public to actively participate in the conference.
Mr. Oteng stressed the importance of enhancing cashew processing capacity, emphasizing the need for expansion to increase exports and stabilize the cedi. As part of the Tree Crops Rehabilitation programs, TCDA is actively involved in replanting trees, including cashew trees affected by illegal mining activities.
The CICC, established in 2016, is an intergovernmental organization aimed at promoting, advocating, and facilitating discussions on issues pertinent to the cashew value chain. With eleven member countries, its vision is to support the development of the cashew sector and contribute to the economic and social growth of its members.
