The Cashew Council Ghana (CCG) has inaugurated a new 15-member governing board to oversee the activities of the Council and support the development of Ghana's cashew industry.

The inauguration took place in Sunyani on 18 June 2026 and forms part of efforts to improve coordination across the cashew value chain, strengthen stakeholder engagement and support the growth of the sector.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA), Rich Kofi Kofituo, who inaugurated the board, said the Council plays an important role in representing stakeholders and contributing to the development of the cashew industry.

The Cashew Council Ghana is the private sector body representing producers, processors, traders, exporters and other participants in the cashew value chain. Its mandate includes promoting collaboration among industry players and advocating policies to support the sector.

The board comprises representatives from the producer, processor, trader and exporter groups within the industry.

At its first meeting following the inauguration, the board elected Ed-Malvin Nii Ayi Bontey Smith as its chairman.

Mr Smith has worked in the cashew industry for more than two decades. He previously served as the processors' representative on the TCDA Board and as President of the Association of Cashew Processors Ghana. He is also the Managing Director of Agroking Limited and Winker Investment Ltd.

Following his election, Mr Smith said the board would work with stakeholders to support the development of the cashew sector.

"We will work diligently to strengthen the Cashew Council Ghana to contribute meaningfully to the growth and competitiveness of Ghana's cashew sector. We will engage constructively with all stakeholders and ensure that the voice of the industry is heard on matters affecting the sector."

He said the Council would also work with the TCDA, the African Cashew Alliance and development partners on issues affecting the industry.

The African Cashew Alliance welcomed the inauguration of the new board and reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Council and other stakeholders to support policy coordination and the development of the sector.

The Alliance also announced that its 2026 Annual Cashew Conference and Expo will be held in Accra from 15 to 18 September 2026 under the theme, "Sustainable Cashew Supply through Policy, Investment and Partnership."