ACA Joins Ghanaian Cashew Stakeholders to Strengthen the Sector
On October 28th2015, the Cashew Industry Association in Ghana held a one-day validation workshop in Accra to discuss the strengthening of the Ghanaian cashew sector as well as to advocate for the government’s support. The cashew sector in Ghana was hit hard by the recent shortages in raw cashew nut materials (RCN). The meeting came at an important time in the industry as the Ministry of Food and Agriculture aims to raise output from 50,000 tonnes to 150,000 tonnes in the next 10 years.[1]
At the stakeholder meeting, ACA supported the Cashew Industry Association of Ghana to present the facts. Finance Manager, Akwasi Adom-Dankwa delivered an introductory presentation for ACA on the global outlook of the cashew sector, while Business Advisory Manager, Sunil Dahiya, delivered a presentation concerning a case study on a warehouse receipt system. Dahiya’s presentation also included possible industrial policy reforms via best practices from developed countries in the cashew industry that can be implemented in short-mid-long terms. Organizations present included the Ghana Export Promotion Council, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, OLAM Ghana, Mim Cashew, the African Cashew Alliance, and other important stakeholders.
Some of the key issues raised included the implementation of an export levy, the creation of a national task force, the institution of a warehouse receipt system and the use of mass spraying techniques. These discussions were extremely important in linking all of the relevant stakeholders and moving forward on issues vital to the Ghanaian cashew sector. Following the meeting, the relevant government ministries and stakeholders aim to greatly increase public-private sector partnerships in order to revitalize the industry.
