Andrew Osie Okrah, the acting CEO of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), has clarified that the recent directive requiring exporters of rubber, cashew, and shea to seek written approval before shipment is not a ban on exports but a strategic move to prioritize local processing.
The directive, which took effect on May 2, 2025, is part of efforts to ensure raw materials are made available to local manufacturers before any exports are allowed.
In an interview following a high-level stakeholder forum on the regulatory framework governing the tree crops sector, Okrah explained: “We are not banning exports. We are saying let’s ensure our factories are well-fed before we export. That’s the law.”
The TCDA’s decision stems from the fact that Ghana loses an estimated GH¢22.5 million annually due to the export of unprocessed rubber. Currently, about 40% of the 100,000 metric tonnes of rubber produced annually is exported raw. This substantial loss of value is seen as a missed opportunity for job creation and value addition within the country.
The goal of the directive is to secure a reliable supply of raw materials for local factories, many of which have been operating below capacity due to raw material shortages. Okrah highlighted that ensuring local industries have access to these materials before export is key to fostering a sustainable and competitive sector.
Emmanuel Akwesi Owusu, President of the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAC), welcomed the move, stating that regulation will stabilize the industry, improve farmers’ incomes, and create more jobs along the value chain, from processing to transport.
Owusu pointed out the challenges faced by the rubber industry in recent years, including side-selling and unregulated exports, which have weakened investments and led to factory closures. “At least one factory has collapsed,” he said, adding that others are operating at just 60% of their capacity.
The new export controls are seen as crucial for reversing these declines. With a more stable and consistent supply of raw materials, local processors can expand operations, which will help increase foreign exchange earnings and strengthen the local economy.
In addition to the export approval process, the TCDA has mandated that exporters provide proof of payment of development levies before they can be issued a Phytosanitary Certificate, a document required for international trade. Non-compliance will result in sanctions as stipulated under the TCDA Act.
