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The Board of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), during its latest gathering, has given the green light to a major initiative aimed at setting up Tree Crop Enclaves in every one of Ghana’s 16 regions.

Every region will establish at least 1,000 hectares of the six approved tree crops: cashew, oil palm, coconut, shea, mango, and rubber, increasing the overall area of new plantations across the country to 16,000 hectares.

The campaign, known as “The Legacy Project,” serves as a key component of the broader plan of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, who has outlined a distinct national goal to significantly advance the development and industrialization of the tree crops industry.

It has been recognized as one of the key legacy initiatives during his leadership, supported by the strategic vision of the TCDA Board and the Chief Executive, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah.

Under this initiative, the six crops will be grown according to regional comparative strengths—each area will concentrate on the crop best adapted to its soil, climate, environmental factors, and current agricultural capabilities.

This method promotes efficiency, enhances output, and corresponds with the government’s strategic plans to foster all six tree crop value chains in a harmonious and environmentally responsible way.

Economically, the Legacy Project aims to enhance living standards in various districts and rural areas, as well as encourage the enhancement of value, and

processing downstream. The initiative is expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities, with a significant focus on providing chances for young people and women, while promoting agro-processing, export expansion, and local economic growth in accordance with government strategy.

After the Board’s approval, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah informed the Parliamentary Select Committee on Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs about the project, with particular emphasis on the oil palm industry, following his recent invitation from the Committee.

The Chairman, Hon. Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, who represents the Wa East Constituency in Parliament, along with the Ranking Member, Hon. Isaac Yaw Opoku, representing the Offinso South Constituency, praised the TCDA for its courageous and forward-thinking leadership and supported the initiative as a significant move for Ghana’s tree crops industry.

A member of the governing board, Lawyer Sadat Kishiwale commended CEO Dr. Andy Osei Okrah for this bold initiative, noting that the new plantation under The Legacy Project will not only help restore some deforested areas in mining regions but also aim to reshape the future of Ghana’s tree crops sector in line with President Mahama’s national development vision.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).