By: Josephine Kekeli Amuzu
President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Andy Osei Okrah as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA).
Mr. Okrah, who previously served as the Director of Human Resources at the Forestry Commission, was also the Deputy Ashanti Regional Minister during President Mahama’s first administration.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Okrah expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and vowed to work diligently to promote the growth and development of Ghana’s tree crops industry.
“Ghana’s tree crops sector holds immense potential to transform lives, create jobs, and significantly boost our national economy. From cashew to shea, mango to coconut, rubber to oil palm—these crops are a treasure trove of opportunities waiting to be fully harnessed,” he stated.
He emphasized that his primary focus would be on regulating and developing the sector sustainably, ensuring that production, processing, and trading activities align with global best practices.
“We will collaborate with stakeholders—farmers, processors, traders, exporters, donors, and partners—to address the industry’s challenges and create an enabling environment for growth,” he added.
Mr. Okrah also assured his commitment to building on the foundation laid by his predecessors and elevating TCDA to greater heights. He highlighted the role of research and development, capacity building, and market access in making the tree crops sector a key driver of Ghana’s economic transformation.
“Together, we will make TCDA an authority of choice—a great place to work and do business with,” he pledged.
Concluding his remarks, he expressed appreciation to President Mahama for the opportunity and thanked the media and colleagues for their warm reception and support.
“I call on all stakeholders to join hands as we work toward a brighter future for Ghana’s tree crops sector,” he urged.
The Tree Crops Development Authority(TCDA) is a body established by an Act of Parliament, the Tree Crops Development Authority Act 2019 (Act 1010,2019).TCDA is corporate with perpetual succession to regulate and develop in a sustainable environment; production, processing, and trading of six tree crops: Cashew, Shea, Mango, Coconut, rubber, and oil palm in Ghana.
