Accra, March 25, GNA – The Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Forestry Commission to enforce regulations on the movement of tree crops.
A statement issued to the Ghana News Agency said the agreement would support the implementation of the Conveyance Certification System (CCS), which requires all tree crop produce in transit to be accompanied by a valid TCDA Conveyance Certificate in accordance with Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2471.
The statement said the CCS, introduced under Sections 54 and 55 of L.I. 2471, was operational nationwide and covered six commodities: cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango and shea.
It said all licensed traders, transporters and other actors were required to obtain a conveyance certificate before transporting the commodities, adding that the certificates could be obtained at TCDA zonal offices or designated checkpoints at the source.
The statement warned that failure to comply would attract sanctions under the existing regulations.
It said the system would help curb theft and illegal trade, improve data collection and traceability, and inform policy decisions to strengthen the sector.
Mr Andy Osei Okrah, Chief Executive Officer of the TCDA, described the agreement as timely, noting that it would promote discipline, transparency and accountability, as well as curb unregulated trade in commodities such as cashew, rubber and shea.
Dr Hugh Brown, Chief Executive of the Forestry Commission, said the collaboration would strengthen coordination between state institutions in resource monitoring and regulation.
The Authority urged farmers, traders, transporters and exporters to comply with the directive, noting that the initiative would promote a transparent and well-regulated tree crops industry capable of driving economic growth and job creation.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey