President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled plans to ensure that at least 60 percent of Ghana’s major tree crops are processed locally each year, as part of efforts to accelerate industrialisation, create jobs and reduce the country’s reliance on raw commodity exports.

Speaking at the maiden Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit in Accra, the President said the initiative — anchored on the revised $200 million Tree Crops Diversification Project — is designed to transform the agricultural sector from primary production to value-added processing.

“We will no longer export raw cashew, raw shea, or unprocessed rubber while importing finished products at higher prices,” he stated.

According to him, government will expand agro-industrial parks, incentivise private-sector processing and strengthen oversight through the Tree Crops Development Authority to achieve the 60 percent processing target.

The summit, themed “Sustainable Growth through Tree Crop Investment: Resetting and Building Ghana’s Green Economy,” aimed to position Ghana as a regional hub for tree-crop processing and exports while leveraging international markets to drive inclusive growth and industrial transformation.

The event brought together investors, development partners, government officials, traditional authorities and academia to advance investment in the sub-sector.

President Mahama noted that the strategy aligns with Ghana’s green economy and climate resilience agenda. He explained that tree crops contribute to carbon absorption, help prevent soil degradation and strengthen rural livelihoods.

“Through improved seedlings, farmer hubs, access to finance, and matching grants for small and medium enterprises, we will build inclusive value chains. Agriculture must be modern, profitable, and attractive to young people,” he said.

He further called on investors, development partners and local stakeholders to support Ghana’s shift from raw exports to industrial processing, stressing that the sector remains vital for job creation, export diversification and sustained economic growth.

In a speech delivered on his behalf, the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, praised the government’s diversification drive and highlighted the revenue potential of crops such as cashew, coconut and mango.

He urged traditional leaders to make land available for responsible agro-industrial development, emphasising inclusivity and shared prosperity.

“Traditional authorities are custodians of over 80 per cent of Ghana’s land. This responsibility goes beyond customs and traditions; it is a duty to future generations,” he noted.

Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, reaffirmed government’s resolve to reposition the sector as a major pillar of economic transformation.

He said steps are being taken to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve data systems and create a more investor-friendly environment.

“We are moving from fragmented production to organised value chains, from raw export to industrial processing, and from untapped potential to measurable prosperity. Our objective is clear: to make Ghana a leading player in the global tree-crop market,” he stated.