The Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA) is set to host a major investment summit aimed at positioning Ghana’s tree crop sector as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.
The Ghana Tree Crop Investment Summit (GTCIS 2026) will take place from February 17 to 20 at the Accra International Conference Centre under the theme: “Sustainable Growth Through Tree Crop Investments: Resetting and Building Ghana’s Green Economy.”
Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, TCDA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Andy Osei Okrah said the summit will bring together government officials, traditional authorities, and international investors to unlock opportunities across Ghana’s tree crop value chains.
“If we want to grow as a country in a sustainable manner, we must invest in tree crop planting. The future of the economy is the green economy, and for people to benefit from it, they must invest in tree crops,” he said.
Dr. Okrah explained that the summit aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s Resetting Agenda and the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA), which seeks to modernise agriculture, improve food security, and make Ghana competitive in high-value exports.
Under President Mahama’s vision, the government plans to expand oil palm cultivation by adding 100,000 hectares to the existing 340,000 hectares nationwide. “That alone is expected to create over 250,000 jobs and attract about 500 million dollars in investment,” the CEO noted.
The summit will open with a high-level ceremony featuring President Mahama and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, both active tree crop farmers. “From February 17 to 20, we will have President Mahama and Otumfuo sharing their experiences. After the opening ceremony, the rest of the summit will be focused on investor engagement,” Dr. Okrah explained.
Each day of the three-day event will highlight specific crops, their investment potential, and financing opportunities. Key government officials expected to attend include the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson; Minister for Trade and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare; and Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku.
Foreign participants from Russia, India, Dubai, Guinea, and Vietnam will also attend, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa playing a central role in coordinating international engagement.
Dr. Okrah emphasised that tree crop development is a national assignment, with support from the military, police, and other state institutions.
The six priority crops highlighted at the summit are cashew, coconut, shea, oil palm, rubber, and mango. “Shea, for instance, is a strong alternative to cocoa. It has global demand and huge potential if we invest properly,” he said.
The TCDA hopes the summit will serve as a platform for policy dialogue, investment matchmaking, and long-term partnerships, ultimately transforming Ghana into a hub for sustainable, high-value tree crop production.
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