Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged traditional leaders to make land available for large-scale tree crop development, warning that the country cannot rely solely on cocoa to drive its economy.
Speaking through Nkoranza Manhene Nana Kwame Baffoe IV at the 2026 Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit, the Asantehene said chiefs, who control more than 80 percent of Ghana’s land, hold the key to expanding sustainable agriculture.
“I therefore issue a clarion call to all traditional authorities across Ghana. Let us deliberately make land available for large-scale, responsible tree crop development,” he said.
The summit, organized by the Tree Crop Development Authority with support from the World Bank, was attended by President John Dramani Mahama and several ministers.
Osei Tutu praised cocoa’s historic role in building communities and supporting rural livelihoods but cautioned that climate change, illegal mining, and rising pest pressures have reduced yields in recent years.
He commended government efforts to diversify into crops such as cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea, noting that while cocoa generates about $2 billion annually, a broader portfolio could bring in $12 billion or more.
“The combined strength of Ghana’s diverse tree crops can become a powerful engine of sustainable growth,” he said, adding that the effort will require patience, discipline, and long-term investment.
