The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has honoured outstanding stakeholders whose contributions continue to shape and strengthen Ghana’s tree crops sector.
The awards were presented during a gala night that marked the climax of the four-day 2026 Tree Crops Summit and Exhibition, held under the theme: “Sustainable Growth through Tree Crops Investment: Resetting and Building Ghana’s Green Economy.” The event brought together policymakers, investors, farmers, processors and industry leaders within the cashew, shea, mango, coconut, rubber and oil palm value chains.
In the honorary category, President John Dramani Mahama received the Most Outstanding Tree Crops Icon/Ambassador/Promoter Award in recognition of his support for the sector. The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, was also honoured as the Most Outstanding Innovative Tree Crop Farmer and Processor for his contributions to agricultural innovation and agribusiness development.
Mr Eric Opoku, Member of Parliament for Asunafo South and Minister for Food and Agriculture, was recognised for his instrumental role in the promulgation of the TCDA Act. Former Ministers for Food and Agriculture, Mr Kwesi Ahwoi and Mr Akoto Owusu Afriyie, were also honoured for initiating, promoting and implementing the TCDA concept, which laid the foundation for regulating and developing the tree crops industry.
Additional honorary awardees included Mr Seth Osei Akoto, Member of Parliament for Atwima Mponua, and Mr William Quittoo, the Authority’s first Chief Executive Officer. They were acknowledged for their significant roles in the passage of the TCDA Act, 2019, and the successful establishment of the Authority.
In the competitive categories, several institutions and individuals distinguished themselves through outstanding performance. Dr Erasmus Nartey Tetteh of Food Advancement Ghana emerged as one of the evening’s top performers, securing four awards across the rubber, mango and coconut value chains. Ghana Oil Palm Development Company Limited also demonstrated excellence, winning three awards in the oil palm category.
Chief Adams Tampuri, President of the Ghana Cashew Council and head of Chief Adams Farm, was presented with the prestigious Tree Crop Champion Award in recognition of his leadership and advocacy within the cashew sector.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, Madam Joyce Bawah Mogtari, Presidential Advisor and Special Aide, expressed optimism about Ghana’s economic prospects, highlighting agriculture as a key driver of growth. She noted that renewed commitment to increased investment, improved marketing systems and value addition was positioning the country for economic revival.
Madam Mogtari further emphasised that the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry reflects government’s strategic focus on strengthening agribusiness development and creating sustainable opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
Dr Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of TCDA, explained that the awards scheme was instituted to promote excellence, encourage healthy competition and attract investment into the tree crops sector.
“It is our way of setting standards and building a culture of performance within the industry,” he stated.
In an interview the Chief Tampuri commended the Authority for the initiative, describing it as a step in the right direction. However, he encouraged TCDA to expand the awards scheme to recognise more key players whose contributions are advancing the sector.
The awards ceremony not only celebrated excellence but also reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation and sustained investment in building a resilient and competitive tree crops industry to support Ghana’s green economy agenda.
