President John Dramani Mahama has appointed Andy Osei Okrah as the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), charging him with the task of accelerating growth and job creation within Ghana’s vital tree crops sector. Okrah, a seasoned public servant with experience as Deputy Minister of the Ashanti Region and former Director of Human Resource at the Forestry Commission, has expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to focus on expanding employment opportunities.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Okrah expressed his appreciation for the “trust and confidence reposed in him” and emphasized the immense potential of Ghana’s tree crops – cashew, shea, mango, coconut, rubber, and oil palm – to generate employment and contribute significantly to the nation’s economy. He stated, “I am reminded of the immense potential of Ghana’s tree crops sector, which has the capacity to transform the lives of millions of Ghanaians, create jobs, and contribute significantly to our nation’s economic growth.”
Okrah outlined his strategy, focusing on sustainable development and collaboration with stakeholders to unlock the sector’s job-creation potential. He highlighted the importance of:
Expanding Production and Processing: By fostering growth in the production and processing of tree crops, the TCDA aims to generate numerous opportunities for farmers, processors, and related service providers.
Enhancing Market Access: Facilitating access to both domestic and international markets will stimulate demand for Ghanaian tree crop products, leading to increased production and, consequently, more jobs.
Capacity Building: Investing in training and skills development will empower individuals to participate effectively in the tree crops value chain, creating a skilled workforce and boosting employment prospects.
Sustainable Practices: promoting sustainable practices ensures the long term viability of the industry and creates long term sustainable jobs.
Okrah reiterated his commitment to building on the existing foundation and propelling the TCDA to new heights, ultimately making the tree crops sector a significant driver of Ghana’s economic transformation and a key source of employment for its citizens.