The Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Programme Phase Two is calling for sustained investment in skills development and technology to strengthen Ghana’s cashew processing industry and improve its competitiveness in the sub-region.
Team Lead of the programme, Juliana Karikari, says building the capacity of industry players is critical to improving processing efficiency, meeting export standards and reducing the country’s reliance on exports of raw cashew nuts.
The call was made at the opening of the maiden competency-based training programme for Ghana’s cashew processing sector.
The one-week pilot programme was developed by the University of Cape Coast, with support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, SECO, the Ghana Private Sector Competitiveness Programme Phase Two, and Usibras Ghana Limited.
It follows the identification of skills and operational gaps by the Cashew Processors Association of Ghana, with the initiative seeking to bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs.
Team Lead of GPSCP 11, Juliana Karikari, said the training will enhance the competitiveness of the sector.
“We have built a competency module that links what participants will learn to what they do at work. For us at GPSCP II, training is only worth the investment if it changes results”, she said.
Deputy Director to the Directorate of Research, Innovation and Consultancy at the University of Cape Coast, Professor Michael Osei Adu noted that the training is expected to make an impactful change in the cashew industry and reduce the export of raw cashew nuts.
The programme has attracted 31 participants from across the country, all members of the association.
Industry stakeholders say the initiative could mark an important step towards strengthening local processing capacity and retaining more value from Ghana’s cashew production.
Participants will receive practical training in good manufacturing practices, machinery maintenance and export readiness, with the aim of improving productivity and the quality of processed cashew products.
The success of the pilot programme could provide a foundation for further skills development in the sector, as Ghana seeks to expand local cashew processing, create more value-added opportunities and strengthen its position in the regional export market.