Accra: Dr. Samuel Hoda Mensah, Chairman of the Coconut Value Chain Association and Vice President of the Coconut Seed Gardeners Association of Ghana, has expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his appointment to the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) board.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Mensah conveyed his appreciation for the trust placed in him by the President during an interview. Dr. Mensah, an Optometrist and farmer, was recognized as the 2024 Eastern Regional best farmer and serves as the CEO of Sahmen Coconut Farm Resort Center in Upper West Akim District. He emphasized his dedication to collaborating with fellow board members and stakeholders to advance the development of Ghana's tree crop sector.
Dr. Mensah encouraged the youth to explore tree crop farming, including cocoa, coffee, shea, coconut, and oil palm, as a means of achieving self-reliance. He highlighted the profitability of tree crop farming and discouraged migration to urban areas in search of opportunities.
The TCDA is vital to Ghana's agricultural sector, focusing on the tree crop industry's development, regulation, and promotion. The authority's responsibilities include supporting farmers to enhance productivity and quality in cocoa, coffee, shea, and oil palm production.
The 29-member board, chaired by Mr. Kwame Kum, was inaugurated by Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Mr. John Dumelo. He urged the board to implement policies that improve farmers' access to planting materials and extension services. The board's mandate includes expanding tree crop acreage sustainably, supporting research and development, and enhancing value addition.
Mr. Dumelo emphasized the inauguration as a significant step toward achieving Ghana's agricultural ambitions. He called on the board to provide strategic direction and innovations and to form public-private partnerships to promote investment and market expansion.
