The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Forestry Commission to enforce regulations on the movement of tree crop commodities across the country.
A statement issued by the Authority said the agreement would allow the TCDA to use the Forestry Commission’s nationwide checkpoint system to support the implementation of the Conveyance Certification System (CCS).
The system requires all tree crop produce in transit to be accompanied by a valid TCDA Conveyance Certificate in line with Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2471.
According to the statement, the Forestry Commission’s checkpoints would be used to verify compliance as part of efforts to strengthen monitoring and regulation in the sector.
Mr Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of the TCDA, described the partnership as a timely intervention to promote discipline, transparency and accountability in the sector.
He said it would also help curb unregulated trade in commodities such as cashew, rubber and shea.
Dr Hugh Brown, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, said the collaboration would enhance coordination between state institutions in resource monitoring and regulation.
The statement noted that the CCS, introduced under Sections 54 and 55 of L.I. 2471, is now operational nationwide and covers six commodities: cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango and shea.
It requires all licensed traders, transporters and other actors to obtain a conveyance certificate before moving the commodities.
The certificates can be obtained at TCDA zonal offices or designated checkpoints at the source.
The statement warned that failure to comply with the directive could attract sanctions under existing regulations.
It added that the system would help curb theft and illegal trade, improve data collection and traceability, and support policy decisions aimed at strengthening the tree crops sector.
The Authority urged farmers, traders, transporters and exporters to comply with the directive, noting that the initiative would help build a transparent and well-regulated tree crops industry capable of driving economic growth and job creation.
