Otumfuo urges economic diversification beyond Cocoa at Tree Crops Summit

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has called on Ghana to strategically diversify its economy beyond cocoa, cautioning that the crop can no longer single-handedly sustain the country’s economic aspirations.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Nkoranza Manhene, Nana Kwame Baffoe IV, at the 2026 Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition, the Asantehene reflected on cocoa’s historic contribution to Ghana’s development.

“It has educated our children, built our communities, sustained rural livelihoods, and earned Ghana global recognition as a dependable agricultural producer,” he noted.

However, he warned that cocoa production is increasingly under threat from environmental degradation caused by illegal mining, climate change, erratic rainfall, shorter growing seasons, and rising pest and disease outbreaks. These challenges, he observed, have led to declining yields in several cocoa-growing areas over the past decade.

While reaffirming cocoa’s continued importance, Otumfuo commended government efforts to promote investment in other high-potential tree crops, including cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea. He described the diversification drive as both practical and necessary.

“This vision is not speculative. It is firmly grounded in economic logic, ecological necessity and global market demand. As such, it deserves sustained attention and full national support and investment,” he stated.

The Asantehene pointed out that although cocoa generates about $2 billion annually, Ghana’s six major tree crops combined could potentially yield $12 billion or more if fully developed.

“The combined strength of Ghana’s diverse tree crops can become a powerful engine of sustainable growth. This journey will, however, require patience, long-term capital, discipline, and effective coordination. Tree crops are far more than commercial commodities,” he said.

Beyond economic returns, he emphasised the environmental benefits of tree crop development, including land restoration, watershed protection, and soil stabilisation.

Given that traditional authorities control more than 80 per cent of Ghana’s land, he reminded chiefs of their responsibility in safeguarding the country’s natural resources.

“I therefore issue a clarion call to all traditional authorities across Ghana: let us deliberately make land available for large-scale, responsible tree crop development,” he urged.

The summit, held under the theme “Sustainable Growth through Tree Crops Investment: Resetting and Building Ghana’s Green Economy,” was organised by the Tree Crop Development Authority in partnership with the World Bank and other institutions. President John Dramani Mahama and several ministers of state were in attendance.