The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has ordered all distributors of tree crop planting materials to use only certified and approved seedlings and seeds from July 3, 2026.
The directive applies to development partners, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, private entities and individuals involved in the distribution of planting materials for regulated tree crops.
The TCDA announced the measure in a statement signed by Dr Andy Osei Okrah, its Chief Executive Officer, saying it was intended to enhance quality assurance, traceability, sustainability and productivity across the sector.
The Authority said all planting materials for cashew, coconut, oil palm, mango, rubber and shea must be sourced from suppliers certified by the TCDA and comply with standards prescribed under Ghanaian law.
It said the directive was issued under Regulation 46 of the Tree Crops Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2471), which requires planting materials to be obtained from verifiable sources.
Under the new requirements, suppliers and distributors must procure seedlings and seeds only from TCDA-approved stocks, maintain records of their source and approval status, and make such records available for inspection upon request.
Distributors must also ensure that planting materials intended for commercial use meet standards established by the Authority and are submitted for inspection, verification and certification before distribution.
The TCDA said the distribution, supply or circulation of uncertified or unapproved planting materials would not be permitted after the directive takes effect.
It warned that breaches of the directive would attract sanctions under the Tree Crops Regulations, 2023.
The Authority advised farmers and other beneficiaries to verify that planting materials supplied to them originated from accredited and certified sources approved by the TCDA.
Established under the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010), the TCDA regulates and promotes the development of Ghana’s tree crops industry, covering cashew, coconut, oil palm, mango, rubber and shea.
The Authority said enforcement of the directive formed part of broader efforts to improve planting material quality and strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Ghana’s tree crops sector.