Cashew farmers in Kintampo, located in the Bono East Region, are calling on the government to take urgent steps to address what they describe as a growing crisis threatening the survival of the country’s cashew industry.

The farmers alleged that unauthorised buyers are manipulating market prices, purchasing cashew nuts at inconsistent and artificially low prices, thereby destabilising the industry and threatening their livelihoods.

Speaking in an interview, Asona Dehyie Kwateng, a local cashew farmer, described the situation as alarming and appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to intervene immediately to halt the activities of such buyers.

“We have been trained to harvest quality cashew, but these buyers are taking advantage of farmers, offering as low as GH¢5 per kilo, far below the standard price of GH¢15. We need a fixed price throughout the season to protect our livelihoods,” she said.

The farmers warned that if the situation persists, Ghana’s cashew market could collapse, jeopardising the country’s position as one of Africa’s leading producers.

Former Chairman of the Cashew Farmers Association, Mr. Emmanuel Okrah, also called on the government to prioritise the cashew sector as a key component of economic revival.

He urged the establishment of cashew processing factories and stronger value addition strategies to boost exports and job creation.

“Cashew apples can be processed into wine, alcohol, and other by-products for both local consumption and export.

Investing in this sector can generate employment for the youth, reduce unemployment, and improve living standards,” Mr. Okrah added.

The farmers are appealing for a comprehensive government policy to regulate cashew pricing, support local processing, and promote sustainable farming practices to ensure the long-term growth of the sector.