Ghana guarantees top-quality cashew supply to global market
2nd February 2026
Ghana has assured the global cashew market of the quality of its Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN) for the 2025/2026 trading season, officially declaring the season open.
Dr. Andrews Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), made the announcement during a panel discussion at the 12th World Cashew Conference in Dubai, held from January 30 to February 1, 2026. The conference brought together cashew traders, processors, investors, and industry leaders from around the world to discuss key trends and opportunities in the sector.
Addressing concerns about Ghana’s cashew quality, Dr. Okrah dismissed reports of decline, emphasizing that both output and standards remain strong. “Ghana’s Raw Cashew Nuts for the 2025/2026 season are of very good quality, and we expect a strong outturn with a high Kernel Outturn Ratio (KOR), as has been the case over the years,” he stated.
He highlighted that Ghana’s cashew industry operates within a structured and traceable supply chain, regulated and enforced by the TCDA, and urged exporters and buyers to transact only with registered and licensed operators. “When business is conducted within the regulated framework, the TCDA is better positioned to support stakeholders and protect the integrity of Ghana’s cashew industry,” Dr. Okrah said.
Under his leadership, the TCDA has implemented reforms aimed at promoting sustainability, transparency, and global competitiveness in the cashew sector. These include extensive stakeholder consultations and the joint announcement and validation of cashew prices by value chain actors, a key step to streamline the industry.
To strengthen compliance and enforcement, the Authority recently commissioned its first batch of Compliance and Enforcement Officers. The officers will work alongside security agencies and district assemblies to enforce regulations, prevent illegal trading and smuggling, and protect farmers and licensed operators from exploitation.
“The commissioning of our Compliance and Enforcement Officers gives real effect to our regulatory mandate and ensures that standards are upheld across the cashew value chain,” Dr. Okrah noted, adding that this initiative would restore market discipline and strengthen investor confidence.
He expressed optimism about the 2025/2026 cashew season, affirming that Ghana’s production will meet international quality standards and deliver value across the entire value chain.