The Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) has celebrated Ghana’s top performers in tree crop production, processing, and export, while honouring visionary leaders whose contributions have shaped the sector.
The highlight of the maiden Tree Crop Excellence Awards, held during the five-day Tree Crop and Summit Exhibition, was the recognition of His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for his innovative leadership in tree crop farming and processing.
Among the TCDA Honorary Gold Awardees 2026, the Asantehene was recognised as the Most Outstanding Innovative Tree Crop Farmer and Processor.
Other key honourees included former Ministers of Food and Agriculture, Prof. Kwesi Ahowi, for initiating and promoting the TCDA concept and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, for implementing the TCDA framework.
Legislative contributions were also recognised, namely Eric Opoku, MP for Asunafo South honoured as the Most Outstanding MP who championed the TCDA Act 1010, while Seth Osei Akoto, MP for Atwima Mponua received recognition as Most Outstanding Public Servant for his role in the promulgation of the TCDA Act 1010.
Honorary Gold Awardees Recognised
Other honorary awards included Dr. Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President, as Most Outstanding Enterprising and Promising Tree Crop Farmer (Cashew) and William Quittoo, former CEO of TCDA, for being the first CEO to implement TCDA Act 1010 and associated regulations.
Celebrating Excellence Across Tree Crop Value Chains
In the cashew sector, Daniel Tachie of Kostal Farms was named Farmer of the Year, while Solomon Ameyaw of African Star Synergy received the Best Trader award. Curtis II Akumfi of Duapa Agri Products Ltd was honoured as Best Exporter and Antonio Manuel Caramelo Raposo of Usibras Ghana Ltd. took the Best Processor accolade.
The coconut industry also saw remarkable achievers. Dr. Erasmus Tetteh of Food Advancement Ghana was recognised as both Best Nursery Operator and Best Trader, while Daniel Asimadi of Dedeyao Farms was named Best Farmer.
GKV Foods Ltd. earned distinction as both Best Processor and Best Exporter in the coconut value chain.
In oil palm, Ghana Oil Palm Development Co. Ltd dominated, receiving awards as Best Nursery Operator, Best Industrial Mill/Refinery and Best Exporter. Martin Oyekanmi Efunwole of Ola Farms was celebrated as Best Oil Palm Farmer.
The rubber sector highlighted the exceptional contributions of Dr. Erasmus Nartey Tetteh, recognised as both Best Rubber Farmer and Best Nursery Operator. Bismarck Yilaku Essuman of Ess-Bisani Enterprise was named Best Trader, while Anita Kontuo of Triton International received the Best Exporter award.
In the mango and shea categories, Joseph Kwadwo Nkrumah of Nkaast Enterprises was honoured as Best Mango Exporter.
The shea sector celebrated Anita Sutha of Songtaa Tietaa Ltd. as both Best Shea Picker/Farmer and Best Aggregator, while Rabiatu Abubakari Gurunpaga of Maltiti A. Enterprise Ltd. earned recognition as Best Shea Artisanal Processor and Trader. 3F Ghana Oil and Fats Ltd. was awarded Best Shea Industrial Processor, and AAK Aarhuskarlshamn Ghana Ltd. was named Best Shea Exporter.
Women and Youth in Focus
The awards also highlighted the contributions of women and youth in the sector. Portia Akua Kumah of NH Natural Food Supplies was recognised as Female Tree Crop Actor of the Year, while Sei Kwasi Raymond of Raymond Sei Enterprise received the Youth Tree Crop of the Year award, showcasing the next generation of leaders driving Ghana’s tree crop excellence.
Government Endorsement and Strategic Vision
In an address by Joyce Bawah Mogtari, who represented the Chief of Staff at the Grande Arena, she underscored the government’s unwavering support for Ghana’s tree crop sector and highlighted the strategic role of agriculture in the country’s economic reset agenda.
Bawah Mogtari reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for agriculture as a driver of industrialisation, job creation, and export development.
She revealed plans for a $200 million investment in diversified tree crop projects aimed at enhancing value addition, boosting market competitiveness, and creating sustainable employment opportunities for Ghanaians.
Her remarks also acknowledged the role of the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry in supporting tree crop development and value chain enhancement, emphasising that government policies are designed to create a stable investment environment for both local and international actors. “Ghana stands on the verge of a historic economic rebirth, and the tree crop sector is central to this renaissance,” Ms. Bawah Mogtari said, calling on all stakeholders to leverage these initiatives to drive innovation and competitiveness.
CEO Highlights Innovation and Impact
At the nocturnal event, Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, CEO of TCDA, emphasised that the awards were designed to promote excellence, competitiveness, and investment across the tree crop value chain, celebrating measurable impacts in job creation, governance, and community development.
Read more on The Chronicle Online
