Cashew Production, a potential for investment

Ghana has an excellent location for the growing and processing of cashew nuts. Lots of revenue accrues from that non traditional crop but till date attention to that crop is minimal. The northern part of Ghana is blessed with the land to increase production but little support and attention is given to farmers.

The Ghanaian Journal researched into cashew nuts production and realized that it could make the country earn lots of revenue. If government cannot take the challenge alone then it should provide the necessary support for local investors to look towards that direction.

Nigeria, surprisingly with all their oil has taken up the challenge and is the worlds 4th largest producer of raw cashew, with such realization they are making efforts to increase production. Now in Ghana all we need is a warm and humid climate for the growing of cashew trees. The Government should act now by inviting investors to consider the opportunities available in the cashew sub-sector.

Investors interested in processing activities can decide on whether to grow their own cashew or buy from local growers. The paper knows efforts by Olam Nigeria Limited in the sub-sector, investing in a cashew processing factory, Olam Ghana can do the same if they are encouraged.

The paper believes that there is a ready market right here in the country and with preferential trade agreements with the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries we can excel. Opportunities for export to America and the EU also exist. The sooner we work towards this the better for the country.

The Government should be committed to create an enabling environment for investors and must introduce lots of incentives. The Ghanaian Journal waits to see the proposal from the Ghana Investment Promotion Council to parliament. We hope that much assistance with obtaining land, the provision of all required infrastructure (roads, electricity, water) and various tax incentives is targeted to grow this industry.