The President of the Association of Cashew Processors, Ghana (ACPG), Antonio Manuel Caramelo Raposo, has completed a tour of cashew processing factories in the Middle Belt of Ghana.
His tour aimed to engage industry stakeholders, identifying challenges, and developing strategies to boost local cashew processing.
The tour, which covered facilities in Techiman, Sunyani, and surrounding areas, provided an opportunity to interact with processors, workers, and community leaders on the current state of the industry.
The President noted that while Ghana’s cashew sector has significant potential, processors continue to face challenges such as:
“Inconsistent and unreliable supply of raw cashew nuts (RCN) due to weak farmer–processor linkages and high levels of direct nut exports. Price volatility in the RCN market, making it difficult for processors to plan and sustain operations.
“High processing costs, driven by limited local availability of spare parts, chemicals, and packaging materials. Limited access to affordable financing for processors, particularly working capital to purchase RCN during peak season,” he noted.
Other challenges include competition from exports of raw cashew nuts, which reduces available stock for domestic processors and weakens Ghana’s value addition agenda.
“Low adoption of modern processing technology, resulting in higher levels of waste and reduced efficiency.
“Compliance costs for international certifications (FSSC, Halal, Kosher, Fairtrade), which are necessary for global trade but expensive for many processors.
“Lack of coordinated sector policy enforcement, leading to uneven playing fields between processors and exporters.”
Speaking during the visit, the ACPG President reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to addressing these issues through its newly developed Cashew Framework, which outlines interventions to secure raw materials, improve processing standards, and expand domestic and international markets.
“This tour has given us firsthand insight into the pressing needs of our members. ACPG will continue to work with government, farmers, and development partners to ensure processors receive the support required to increase capacity and sustain jobs in Ghana,” the President emphasized.
According to the President, the Association is targeting to process 85,000 metric tons of cashew annually by 2026.
Something, he stated will create “thousands of jobs, improve farmer incomes, and strengthen Ghana’s position in the global cashew industry.”
