Local authorities in Wenchi have expressed strong support for the Master Training Programme (MTP) on Cashew Value Chain Promotion, commending organizers and development partners for choosing the Wenchi Agricultural Research Station as a key site for hands-on training.
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, participants of the 19th Edition of the MTP undertook a field visit to the Station as part of Session 2 of the training programme. The visit offered participants practical, field-based experience on topics such as softwood grafting techniques, cashew plantation establishment, top working, and pest and disease control – complementing the theoretical sessions held earlier in the week.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Wenchi, Hon. Gloria Opoku Gyamfi, and representatives of the Wenchi Traditional Council were present to officially welcome the participants.
In their remarks, they expressed delight at the Station’s growing role as a regional hub for cashew training and knowledge exchange.
Hon Gyamfi underscored the critical role of agriculture in national development and emphasized cashew’s potential to transform rural economies, adding that the MTP presents a unique opportunity to harness this potential.
“Agriculture, as we all recognize, is the backbone of our economy and a pillar of livelihood for millions,” she said. “Cashew, in particular, presents an incredible opportunity for economic transformation, improved livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. This training serves as a testament to our collective vision – to empower farmers, enhance agronomic best practices, and foster innovation in cashew production and processing.”
The MCE emphasized the distinctive nature of the MTP, noting that its hands-on approach sets it apart. She praised the opportunity it offers participants to move beyond classroom learning and directly engage with practical demonstrations.
“The field visit today is more than just an exploration; it is a practical demonstration of your dedication to learning, innovation, and continuous improvement,” she stated, affirming the value of hands-on training in strengthening technical capacity across the cashew sector.
The Benkumhene of the Wenchi Traditional Council, Nana Adje Gyan Ampem, who represented the president of the Council, extended appreciation to the African Cashew Alliance (ACA), the GIZ/MOVE project and its implementing partners for organizing the MTP. He paid special tribute to the European Union (EU) and the Organization of African,
Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), the Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Programme (GPSCP II) and the Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA) for funding the programme and supporting participants. According to the local leaders, the MTP is playing a pivotal role in equipping African cashew professionals with the technical skills needed to drive sustainable growth in the industry.
The local authorities pledged to protect the lands of the Station and to collaborate with its management to further develop it into a premier centre for agricultural excellence.
The MTP, now in its 19th Edition, is a flagship capacity-building initiative implemented by the ACA and its partners. It is designed to strengthen expertise across the entire cashew value chain – covering production, processing, marketing, and policy – through a structured combination of classroom learning and practical field experience. The programme equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to drive innovation, improve yields, and promote sustainable growth in Africa’s cashew sector. So far, a total of 1, 345 experts from 20 different countries have been trained and are championing sustainable development of the cashew sector in their respective countries.
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