The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) will set the minimum producer price for cashew at GHS 12 per kilogram for the 2026 season. This announcement clarifies how cashew farmgate prices are determined in Ghana. The TCDA stated that producer prices are established through a structured and consultative process, not arbitrarily fixed. The clarification follows growing misinformation about false GHS 25 per kilogram prices.
The TCDA determines cashew prices based on key market indicators. These indicators include international Free on Board (FOB) prices, exchange rate movements, and operational costs within the industry. The process also involves consultations with stakeholders across the cashew value chain. For the 2024 season, the minimum producer price announced for cashew was GHS 8.50 per kilogram. The highest producer price for the 2025 season reached GHS 15 per kilogram. The initially calculated minimum producer price for 2026 was GHS 11.16 per kilogram, but the TCDA increased it to GHS 12 per kilogram to support farmers.
This pricing strategy fits into Ghana's broader economic goal of boosting agricultural exports and supporting rural livelihoods. The government aims to ensure competitive returns for farmers. This also safeguards the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cashew industry. The TCDA’s commitment aligns with the government's Agriculture for Economic Transformation (AET) agenda. This agenda focuses on improving farmer incomes and promoting value addition. This includes processing cashew apples to create jobs and generate revenue.
The TCDA emphasised that the official minimum producer price for cashew has never been GHS 25 per kilogram. This directly contradicts claims circulating in some public spheres. The Authority urged media practitioners, bloggers, industry players, and the public to verify information from official sources. This proactive stance aims to prevent misinformation from undermining farmer confidence and market stability.
Ghana offers some of the highest cashew producer prices within the West African sub-region. Current farmgate prices in neighboring countries range between GHS 7.15 and GHS 8.00 per kilogram. Farmers in Burkina Faso receive between GHS 7.55 and GHS 7.80 per kilogram. Prices in Côte d’Ivoire range from GHS 7.85 to GHS 8.00 per kilogram. Producers in Benin get between GHS 7.36 and GHS 7.50 per kilogram. In Togo, prices are between GHS 7.15 and GHS 7.30 per kilogram. This makes Ghana's prices significantly more attractive.
Looking ahead, the TCDA plans to distribute three million elite cashew seedlings to farmers nationwide. This initiative aims to boost cashew production. The Authority has also trained 100 Compliance Officers. These officers will strengthen transparency, accountability, and enforcement in the tree crops sector. Investors and farmers will watch these developments closely. They will be looking for continued support and stable pricing from the TCDA to ensure the sector's growth. The TCDA remains committed to regulating, developing, and promoting Ghana’s tree crops industry for all stakeholders.