Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged Ghana to look beyond cocoa and strategically diversify its economy, warning that the crop can no longer carry the nation’s economic ambitions alone.

In a speech delivered on his behalf by the Nkoranza Manhene, Nana Kwame Baffoe IV, at the 2026 Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition, the Asantehene reflected on cocoa’s historic role in shaping Ghana’s growth and identity.

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“It has educated our children, built our communities, sustained rural livelihoods, and earned Ghana global recognition as a dependable agricultural producer,” he said.

He, however, cautioned that cocoa now faces mounting challenges from environmental destruction caused by illegal mining to climate change, erratic rainfall, shorter growing seasons, and increasing pest and disease outbreaks.

These pressures, he noted, have contributed to declining yields in several cocoa-growing areas over the past decade.

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While acknowledging cocoa’s importance, Otumfuo commended government efforts to expand investment into other tree crops such as cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea.

He described the diversification agenda as both practical and necessary.

“This vision is not speculative. It is firmly grounded in economic logic, ecological necessity and global market demand. As such, it deserves sustained attention and full national support and investment,” the Asantehene said.

He pointed out that although cocoa currently generates about two billion dollars annually, Ghana’s six major tree crops together could potentially bring in 12 billion dollars or more in the future if properly developed.

“The combined strength of Ghana’s diverse tree crops can become a powerful engine of sustainable growth. This journey will, however, require patience, long-term capital, discipline and effective coordination. Tree crops are far more than commercial commodities,” he said.

Beyond economic gains, the Asantehene stressed the environmental benefits of tree crops, noting their role in restoring degraded lands, protecting watersheds, and stabilising soil.

As traditional authorities control more than 80 per cent of Ghana’s land, he reminded chiefs of their responsibility in safeguarding it.

“So, 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 urged.

The summit, themed “Sustainable Growth through Tree Crops Investment: Resetting and Building Ghana’s Green Economy,” was organised by the Tree Crop Development Authority in partnership with the World Bank and other institutions.

President John Dramani Mahama and several ministers of state were in attendance.

NA/VPO

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