The Progressive Cashew Association of Ghana (PCAG) has called on the government to prioritize significant investments in cashew-growing communities to promote rural development and sustain farmers’ engagement in the industry.
In a statement, the association highlighted the critical shortage of basic infrastructure and social amenities in cashew farming regions. It urged the government and development partners to urgently address these challenges to increase production and strengthen the rural economy.
The statement, signed by Dr. Dominic Frimpong, General Secretary of PCAG, emphasized that communities in cashew-producing areas continue to face severe deficiencies in access to potable water, quality roads, and healthcare facilities.
Additional challenges cited included the lack of educational facilities for children, inadequate storage facilities, irregular electricity supply, and a shortage of modern processing equipment.
The association expressed concern that farmers and other key stakeholders in the cashew industry, who contribute significantly to the country’s economic and developmental progress, continue to be deprived of essential services.
The statement further noted that these challenges adversely affect productivity, limit economic opportunities, and diminish the overall quality of life for farmers.
“With the right investments in infrastructure and social amenities, our communities can flourish and make an even greater contribution to Ghana’s economic growth,” the statement read.
### Commitment to Cashew Industry Development
The association reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside other stakeholders in the cashew value chain to establish the crop as Ghana’s leading cash crop.
PCAG acknowledged the government’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the cashew industry under the President’s Vision 2030 Agenda, which seeks to position cashew as the country’s primary cash crop.
The association welcomed the government’s plan to establish seven agro-processing plants, including facilities for cashew, in various regions such as Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, Northern, Central, North East, and Western North, as outlined in the 2026 Budget.
It expressed optimism that these initiatives would help reduce post-harvest losses, create jobs, and provide market opportunities for out-growers.
PCAG also expressed appreciation for the government’s intention to build two new warehouses in Sampa (Bono Region) and Aboabo (Bono East Region), funded by the Ghana Exim Bank through the President’s Accelerated Export Development Initiative. These facilities are expected to enhance value addition and support the cashew value chain.
“We look forward to the realization of this critical initiative,” the statement added.
### Support for Private Partnerships
The association welcomed the government’s plans to collaborate with private investors to build additional warehouses across key cashew-producing areas to further support the cashew value chain.
“We fully support the government’s vision to make cashew the cornerstone of Ghana’s agricultural sector,” the statement concluded.
PCAG reiterated its endorsement of the Vision 2030 agenda, which aims to position cashew as a significant economic driver, generating approximately $2 billion annually.
Source: theghanareport.com
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