The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has announced a new directive that will prohibit the distribution of uncertified tree crop planting materials across Ghana beginning July 3, 2026, in a move aimed at improving quality standards, traceability, and productivity within the country’s growing tree crops sector.
The directive, contained in a press release issued by the Authority on Thursday June 18, 2026, applies to all development partners, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private individuals, and other actors involved in the supply and distribution of planting materials for tree crops under the Authority’s mandate. These include cashew, coconut, oil palm, mango, rubber, and shea.
According to the TCDA, all seedlings, seeds, and other planting materials intended for distribution must be sourced from stocks approved and certified by the Authority.
The regulator noted that the measure is necessary to ensure that farmers receive quality planting materials from verified sources capable of supporting improved yields and sustainable agricultural development.
The Authority said the directive is backed by Regulation 46 of the Tree Crops Regulations, 2023 (L.I. 2471), which grants it the power to regulate and verify the sourcing of planting materials within the tree crops industry.
As part of the new requirements, organizations and individuals engaged in seedling distribution will be required to maintain proper records documenting the source and approval status of all planting materials. Such records must be made available to the Authority upon request.
In addition, all seedlings intended for commercial distribution must meet standards prescribed by the TCDA and be presented for inspection, verification, and certification before they are supplied to farmers or beneficiaries.
The Authority stressed that once the directive takes effect, no person or entity will be allowed to distribute, supply, or otherwise circulate uncertified or unapproved tree crop planting materials without prior authorization from the TCDA.
Officials warned that failure to comply with the directive could attract sanctions under the Tree Crops Regulations, 2023. While the Authority did not specify the penalties, it indicated that enforcement measures would be applied in accordance with existing laws governing the sector.
The TCDA also urged farmers, project beneficiaries, and other stakeholders to exercise caution when acquiring planting materials.
It advised them to obtain seedlings only from accredited and certified suppliers approved by the Authority to avoid the risks associated with poor-quality or unverified planting stocks.
According to the Authority, the directive is expected to strengthen quality assurance systems within the tree crops value chain while improving traceability, sustainability, and overall productivity.
Industry observers say the move could also help reduce the circulation of substandard seedlings, which have long been cited as a challenge affecting yields and farmer incomes in some parts of the country.
The tree crops sector remains a key component of Ghana’s agricultural economy, with crops such as cashew, oil palm, rubber, coconut, mango, and shea contributing significantly to rural livelihoods, industrial raw material supply, and export earnings.
Ensuring access to high-quality planting materials is widely regarded as essential to the long-term growth and competitiveness of the sector.
Stakeholders seeking clarification on the directive have been encouraged to contact the TCDA at its headquarters in East Legon-Adjiriganor, Accra.
The Authority says the one-year lead time before enforcement will allow development partners, seedling producers, distributors, and farmers to align their operations with the new regulatory requirements ahead of the July 3, 2026 implementation date.
SOURCE: MAVIS FANTEVI
