The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr Andy Osei Okrah, has visited three major oil palm processing companies in the Western and Central Regions as part of his outfit’s efforts to increase and improve Ghana’s oil palm industry.
His visit was part of a familiarisation exercise to assess operations, identify challenges, and explore strategies to boost local oil production.
The companies he visited included the Benso Oil Palm Plantation (BOPP), Plantations Socfinaf Ghana (PSG), and Twifo Oil Palm Plantation Limited (TOPP), key players in the oil palm value chain contributing significantly to job creation and the government’s 24-hour economy policy.
Ghana’s annual palm oil consumption stands at approximately 450,000 metric tonnes, mainly for products such as vegetable cooking oil. However, local production accounts for only 300,000 metric tonnes, leaving a shortfall of 150,000 metric tonnes that must be imported.
Dr Okrah’s first stop was at BOPP, where he exchanged pleasantries with the management team on TCDA regulations aimed at streamlining the sector.
Further discussions also revolved around seedling quality and tactics to enhance production capacity. The General Manager of BOPP, Engineer Samuel Avaala Awonnea,called for a stronger regulatory support to ensure sustainable growth in the sector. BOPP produces approximately 87,000 metric tonnes of palm oil annually and employs over 2,000 people.
At PSG in Daboase, Wassa East District, Dr Okrah keenly observed the company’s processing operations. PSG, which commenced operations in 2019, has emerged as a leading palm oil processor and exporter in Africa, with a processing capacity of 30 tonnes per hour.
PSG raised concerns about land acquisition challenges for expansion.
Dr Okrah assured the company of the government’s commitment to supporting value chain actors in the palm oil industry.
The final visit was to TOPP, one of Ghana’s top five palm oil producers. With a strong focus on smallholder farmers and outgrower projects, TOPP supports over 1,894 smallholder farmers and 3,300 outgrowers.
Despite its success, the company faces land encroachment and acquisition challenges, which could affect future growth.
The TCDA boss toured the factory, plantation site, and community development projects and expressed optimism about the sector’s potential to generate revenue and create jobs.
He further praised the companies for their commitment to job creation and adherence to government policies; reaffirming TCDA’s dedication to enhancing the oil palm value chain, stating that Ghana has the potential to become self-sufficient in palm oil production.
“With the right policies, investments, and collaboration between the government and industry players, we can bridge the production gap, boost exports, and create more jobs for Ghanaians,” he indicated.
The TCDA, established by the Tree Crops Development Authority Act, 2019 (Act 1010), is mandated to regulate and develop the tree crop industry, including oil palm, rubber, cashew, mango, coconut, and shea.
It works to improve production, processing, and marketing to enhance the sector’s contribution to Ghana’s economy.
The Authority is thus expected to collaborate closely with industry players to address regulatory concerns, improve seedling quality, and support expansion efforts, positioning Ghana as a key player in the global palm oil market.
