Source: Ebenezer Madugu
Ghana’s cashew industry has long been dominated by the export of raw nuts, with much of the value-added taking place outside the country.
While farmers across Bono, Bono East and Ahafo produce in large quantities, limited local processing has meant fewer jobs and reduced earnings for the economy.
A new agreement between the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and Sentuo Group Limited is set to change that narrative.
At the heart of the deal is the establishment of a modern cashew processing plant at Sampa.
According to the Agric Minister, Eric Opoku, the company will also purchase raw cashew nuts directly from farmers – an intervention expected to improve market access and stabilise prices.
The move signals a shift from exporting raw cashew to processing locally, allowing Ghana to retain more value within the sector. Processing involves shelling, grading and packaging – activities that create jobs and stimulate related industries such as transport and logistics.
Chairman of the company, Xu Ningquan, says the group is committed to manufacturing and job creation, aligning with Ghana’s industrialization drive.
The agreement also includes plans to establish 30 farmer centres nationwide to support production and ensure a steady supply of raw materials.
If fully implemented, the initiative could transform the cashew value chain – boosting farmer incomes, creating employment, and reducing Ghana’s dependence on raw exports.
