Tree Crops conveyance certificates not a new burden on farmers - CEO denies allegations

Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), denied viral claims that the mandatory Conveyance Certificate System (CCS) constitutes a new burden on farmers, stating that it is a regulatory measure designed to track movement, ensure quality, and combat theft. He spoke on Wednesday, March 24, 2026, at his East Legon office in Accra.

Dr. Okrah said the TCDA has launched the mandatory CCS for six key tree crops-cashew, shea, mango, coconut, rubber, and oil palm-emphasizing that the TCDA is a non-profit state institution. He maintained that the CCS, backed by Act 1010 and L.I. 2471, partners with the Forestry Commission (FC) to enforce compliance, with penalties for moving produce without a certificate. He added that the TCDA operates with a private-sector-driven approach and targets crops such as cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea to strengthen traceability, reduce illegal trade, and ensure compliance with TCDA standards. He cautioned Mr. Kwame Nkrumah and others against spreading falsehoods.

Dr. Okrah was responding to viral claims made by farmer and food systems consultant Richard Odum Nyumuah, who argued that the CCS is a burden on farmers. Dr. Okrah described Mr. Nyumuah's article, titled "Tree Crops Conveyance Certificates: A New Burden on Farmers Disguised as Reform," as misleading and urged the public to disregard the malicious reports. He also rejected a misleading publication by AmaGhana.com and Soireenewsonline dated Friday, March 20, 2026, and demanded an immediate retraction and apology from the media outlets and individuals involved.