The Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to revamping Ghana’s rubber sector, emphasizing its potential as a cornerstone of economic growth and job creation.
Speaking during a stakeholder forum in the Western Region, Dr. Okrah highlighted plans to establish regional and zonal offices to enhance monitoring, supervision, and technical support for the sector. The forum, held as part of Dr. Okrah’s two-day tour of the region, brought together key players across the rubber production value chain, including the Rubber Outgrowers and Agents Association, the executive members of ANRAG, farmers, processors, traders, and other stakeholders.
A Platform for Collaboration
The event provided an opportunity for robust discussions aimed at fostering stronger partnerships to drive efficiency and growth in the rubber industry. Key challenges identified included the shortage of raw materials, limited technical support, poor enforcement of regulations, and deteriorating infrastructure, particularly roads leading to plantations.
Dr. Okrah assured participants that the government is keenly aware of these challenges and is rolling out interventions to address them.
“We understand the hurdles the rubber sector faces, particularly the scarcity of raw materials and inadequate infrastructure,” Dr. Okrah said. “The government is committed to implementing targeted measures to boost production, ensure optimal processing, and create a sustainable value chain that benefits all stakeholders.”
Strategic Visits to Industry Players
As part of the tour, the TCDA delegation visited major industry players to gain firsthand insights into their operations and challenges. Among the stops was Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), which operates two factories with a combined processing capacity of 20 tonnes per hour. Despite managing over 13,000 hectares of rubber plantations, GREL is currently underutilizing its facilities due to raw material shortages.
The team also visited Golden Latex Products Limited, a prominent producer of medical gloves for industrial use in Africa, located in the Ahanta West District. The company relies heavily on local rubber supplies to meet its production needs. Another visit was made to Yaeric Company Limited, a fast-growing rubber processing and export firm, as well as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), which oversees coconut and related research operations in the region.
A Renewed Focus on Economic Growth
Dr. Okrah noted that addressing the challenges facing the rubber sector is pivotal to ensuring its long-term sustainability and contribution to national economic growth.
“The rubber industry has immense potential to drive job creation, enhance export revenue, and boost rural development. Through enhanced collaboration with stakeholders, we aim to build a resilient and efficient rubber value chain that benefits everyone,” he added.
The establishment of regional offices and strengthening of partnerships with value chain operators are part of TCDA’s broader strategy to position the rubber industry as a key contributor to Ghana’s tree crop development agenda.
Dr. Okrah concluded the tour by reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring that the sector thrives, serving as a model for innovation, productivity, and economic transformation in the country.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com
