- Dr. Okrah assures commitment to revitalizing the rubber sector
- Plans for regional offices to enhance sector support
- Challenges include raw material shortages and poor infrastructure
Dr. Andy Osei Okrah, CEO of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), has reassured stakeholders in the rubber industry of the government’s dedication to revitalizing and strengthening the sector.
As part of this initiative, he revealed plans to establish regional and zonal offices aimed at improving monitoring, supervision, and technical support within the industry. Dr. Okrah shared these plans at an open forum with stakeholders in the rubber value chain during his visit to the Western Region on March 19.
The forum gathered key figures including the Rubber Outgrowers and Agents Association, ANRAG executives, farmers, processors, producers, traders, and other industry participants.
Discussions focused on fostering collaboration to boost the rubber sector’s economic growth and efficiency in the region.
Stakeholders raised important issues such as raw material shortages, challenges with plantation produce, lack of technical assistance, weak enforcement of laws, and poor road conditions to plantation sites. The two-day tour and engagement aimed to give the TCDA a better understanding of the region’s rubber industry operations. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to improve regulation, supervision, and partnerships within the sector.
Dr. Okrah emphasized that the government is aware of the sector’s issues and is committed to supporting its growth.
“We understand the challenges, especially the scarcity of raw materials. The government is working on solutions to help the rubber industry operate at its full potential, contributing to job creation and economic growth,” he said.
As part of the tour, the TCDA team visited Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL), which operates two factories with a combined capacity of 20 tonnes per hour, though it is currently underutilized due to raw material shortages.
The delegation also visited Golden Latex Products Limited, a major manufacturer of medical gloves in Africa, which depends on regional rubber supplies for production. Additionally, they toured Yaeric Company Limited, a rapidly growing rubber processing and exporting business, and engaged with the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s coconut operations in the area, gaining valuable insights into their work.
