ACA Engages with Government Institutions in Ghana
The cashew industry in Ghana has recently been in the news regarding a new controversial export directive from the Ministry of Trade and Industry. In response, ACA has engaged directly with the government ministry and local press to press for policies that equally support all actors of the cashew value chain.
The Executive Committee and Advisory Board of the African Cashew Alliance (ACA) led by the Vice President Edgar Majogo, acting President of the EC, on Monday 21st March 2016, paid a courtesy visit to Ghana Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah. This visit was made in regards to ACA’s policy of recognizing the importance of public-private partnership and support for the development of the African cashew industry.
The ACA reiterated its commitment to provide the necessary support and assistance to the various stakeholders in the cashew industry through public and private partnerships. ACA will continue to advocate for government support to the cashew industry in Africa through enabling investment environment, policy and regulatory measures that will enhance the production and processing of cashew in Africa.
On March 22nd, the ACA’s Executive Committee and Advisory Board held a press conference in Accra in order to state the need for government support and enabling policies. ACA also emphasized that the importance of local value addition through pre-export processing of the raw cashew, as well as an increase in production of the cashew that meets international best practices and standards.
ACA believes that should there be favorable policies put in place that will benefit stakeholders across the value chain. The cashew industry in Africa undoubtedly has the potential to attract international recognition as cashew has proven to be a non-traditional foreign exchange earner for the economy.
After thorough study by the government, it was observed the timing of this directive was not appropriate and thus the government called for a withdrawal. The President of the Republic of Ghana has since announced an outright withdrawal of the policy banning the export of raw cashew, and outlined other measures to boost the emerging industry. ACA continues to advocate for collaborative public-private partnerships to ensure that the cashew value chain is well supported by the regulatory environment.
Picture Source: http://www.myjoyonline.com/business/2016/March-24th/african-cashew-alliance-push-for-govt-policy-to-regulate-cashew-industry.php
