The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority of Ghana (TCDA), William Agyapong Quaittoo, has emphasized that it is a legal requirement for all participants in the cashew value chain to register with the TCDA before being allowed to operate.

He reiterated that those who fail to register and obtain a license before the commencement of the 2024 cashew season will not be permitted to buy or export any cashew.

According to him, offenders will face prosecution.

Speaking at the end-of-year meeting held in Techiman, Bono East region, attended by farmers, buyers, and exporters, including Chinese and Indian stakeholders in the cashew industry, William Agyapong Quaittoo announced that the TCDA is organizing training sessions for industry players.

He stated that strict enforcement of laws governing the cashew business is planned.

Mr. Alex Owusu Agyei, Chairman of the Cashew Traders and Exporters Association of Ghana and a Board Member of TCDA, highlighted that the laws prohibit foreigners from directly buying cashew nuts from farmers.

Instead, they are mandated to employ Ghanaians to work for them.