The Association of Cashew Processors Ghana (ACPG) has urged the government to place greater emphasis on local cashew processing, arguing that increased value addition within the country is key to creating jobs, raising export earnings, and unlocking the full economic potential of Ghana’s cashew industry.
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 13, ACPG President Antonio Manuel Caramelo Raposo noted that Ghana has developed one of Africa’s strongest cashew sectors over the past two decades. He said more than 300,000 farmers are directly involved in cashew cultivation, while hundreds of thousands of others depend on trading, transportation, and processing activities along the value chain for their livelihoods.
Despite producing about 200,000 metric tonnes of raw cashew nuts annually and ranking among West Africa’s leading producers, Ghana continues to process only a small portion of its harvest locally. According to the association, this limits the country’s ability to benefit fully from the industry, as much of the value is lost through the export of raw nuts.
Mr Raposo explained that Ghana has already invested significantly in building processing capacity, skilled labour, and export expertise with support from development partners, including GIZ, the World Bank, and NAIRAS. However, many processing facilities are operating below capacity due to challenges in accessing sufficient raw materials.
He stressed that increasing local processing could create thousands of additional jobs while generating higher export revenues through the production of value-added cashew products.
The ACPG cited estimates from the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), which suggest that Ghana’s cashew sector could generate more than US$660 million annually if stronger regulation, expanded processing, and increased value addition are implemented.
The association also pointed to experiences from other African countries where local processing has delivered greater employment opportunities and economic benefits than the export of raw cashew nuts. Studies supported by international development organisations have shown that processing cashew within producing countries creates substantial jobs and stimulates wider economic growth.
According to the ACPG, Ghana has the potential not only to remain a major producer of raw cashew nuts but also to establish itself as a regional hub for cashew processing, food manufacturing, and agricultural industrialisation.
The association believes such a shift would strengthen rural economies, create sustainable jobs particularly for women and young people and ensure that a larger share of export value remains within the country.
Mr Raposo emphasised that promoting local processing should not be seen as restricting trade but rather as a strategy to balance exports with domestic value addition.
“By encouraging local processing alongside a competitive and transparent market, Ghana can maximise the benefits of its cashew industry for farmers, businesses, communities and future generations,” he stated.
The ACPG is therefore calling on policymakers and industry stakeholders to introduce measures that support local processors and help Ghana secure greater economic returns from its growing cashew sector.
