Local authorities at Wenchi in the Bono Region have thrown their weight behind the Master Training Programme (MTP) on cashew value chain promotion, hailing it as a transformative initiative for the region and beyond.
They praised the selection of the Wenchi Agricultural Research Station as a key site for hands-on training, describing it as a strategic move to position the station as a regional hub for cashew knowledge and innovation.
On May 28, 2025, participants of the 19th edition of the MTP embarked on a field visit to the Wenchi Agricultural Research Station as part of the programme’s second session. The visit provided practical insights into softwood grafting, plantation establishment, top working, and pest and disease control, reinforcing the theoretical training delivered earlier in the week.
Wenchi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Gloria Opoku Gyamfi, along with representatives from the Wenchi Traditional Council, officially welcomed the participants. Ms. Gyamfi lauded the MTP as a timely intervention that aligns with the government’s agenda to industrialize agriculture and promote value addition.
“Cashew presents a compelling opportunity for economic transformation, job creation, and environmental sustainability,” she said. “The MTP is not just about learning; it’s about empowering stakeholders to enhance best practices and introduce innovation across the cashew sector.”
She described the programme’s hands-on methodology, as an intervention which bridges the gap between classroom learning and field experience. “This field visit is more than an academic exercise. It reflects your commitment to innovation and continuous professional development,” she added.
The Benkumhene of Wenchi Traditional Council, Nana Adje Gyan Ampem, expressed gratitude to the African Cashew Alliance (ACA), the GIZ/MOVE project, and their implementing partners for organizing the training.
He acknowledged the support from the European Union (EU), 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 initiative.
Nana Ampem highlighted the MTP’s role in equipping cashew professionals across Africa with technical skills necessary for sustainable growth. Local leaders pledged to protect the land of the research station and collaborate with its management to transform it into a centre of agricultural excellence.
Implemented by the ACA and its partners, the MTP has emerged as a flagship capacity-building initiative targeting the entire cashew value chain—from production and processing to marketing and policy. Through a structured blend of classroom instruction and field-based learning, the programme aims to promote innovation, improve yields, and ensure sustainable development.
