Cashew farmers in Kintampo, in the Bono East Region, have expressed deep concern over the activities of unauthorised buyers, warning that their actions are collapsing the cashew industry and threatening the livelihoods of many rural farmers.
According to the farmers, some unlicensed buyers are manipulating the market by offering extremely low prices for raw cashew nuts, creating instability and discouraging genuine producers from continuing in the trade.
Speaking to the press, one of the farmers described the situation as alarming and called on the government, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, to urgently intervene to stop what they described as a “canker” destroying the sector.
The farmers explained that they have received professional training on best harvesting and post-harvest practices, which makes Ghana’s cashew products unique and competitive on the international market. However, they lamented that certain buyers are taking advantage of the current lack of regulation to purchase cashew nuts for as low as GH¢5 per kilo, far below the standard price of GH¢15.
“We are appealing to the government to step in before things get out of hand. There must be a fixed price for cashews throughout the season to protect farmers. If this situation continues, there may not be a viable cashew market in the near future,” one farmer warned.
Former Association Chairman Mr Emmanuel Okrah also appealed to the government to prioritise the cashew sector by introducing stronger policy measures and establishing cashew processing factories across the country to boost production and value addition.
He emphasised that cashew apples can be processed into wine, alcohol, and other exportable products, which could generate significant income for the nation if properly harnessed.
“Ghana must take cashew farming seriously. Investing in cashew processing will not only create jobs for the youth but also help reduce unemployment and improve the standard of living of our people,” Mr Okrah added.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/ Joseph Marfo
