Ghana Hosts 6th Annual Consultative International Cashew Council (CICC) Ministerial Conference

On April 20th, 2024, the 6th annual Consultative International Cashew Council (CICC) Ministerial Conference and Technical Experts Meeting was held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, Ghana. This significant event was held alongside the Technical Expert meeting, Development Partners meeting, ComCashew Board Meeting, and a two-day Cashew Research Conference from April 16th to 20th, 2024.

The Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) facilitated a field visit on April 15th, 2024, for 44 CICC researchers from 16 countries to the Wenchi Agricultural Research Station in Ghana. The visit focused on discussions about cashew clones, seedlings, grafting, and nurseries. The following day, the team visited Usibras Processing Limited in Prampram, engaging with Managing Director Mr. Caramelo Antonio Manuel and senior staff, who provided a comprehensive overview of the facility and answered questions from the researchers.

Experts from 11 CICC member countries, an observer country, and development partners convened in Accra for the 6th Council of Ministers of the CICC. Key topics included country expectations, a review of the 2023 activity report, updates on ratifications of the CICC Constitutive Convention, and the CICC audit report. The meeting concluded with a report containing draft resolutions and a final communiqué for decision by the Council on April 20, 2024.

The CICC Development Partner Working Group (DPWG) met on April 18th, 2024, at the Kempinski Hotel to ensure no duplication of interventions by development partners in the cashew sector. Key recommendations from the DPWG were shared with the Council of Ministers during their meeting on April 20th, 2024. Following the DPWG, the GIZ/MOVE-ComCashew organized a cocktail reception at the Kempinski Hotel, fostering networking among development partners and experts in the cashew value chain. The GIZ Country Director for Ghana, Mr. Dirk Aßmann, delivered a keynote address, acknowledging the contributions of all development partners and actors in the cashew sector. Short remarks were also given by Mr. André Tandiékpon, Executive Secretary of CICC, and Mr. William Quaitoo, CEO of TCDA.

The ComCashew Board Meeting took place on April 19th, 2024, at the Kempinski Hotel, bringing together private and public partners. The meeting featured updates on the project's progress and partner activities, with discussions focusing on sustainability issues, consumption, and market conditions. Notable attendees included Céline Prud’Homme, Programme Manager for Sustainable Agriculture & Cocoa from the European Delegation in Ghana, and Luis Rodriguez, Head of Division, European Union, who joined online.

The Ministers of the member countries of the International Cashew Advisory Council (CICC) convened on April 20, 2024, at the Kempinski Hotel. The Council validated all dossiers submitted by the experts and transferred the presidency of the institution from Côte d'Ivoire to Ghana for one year. Additionally, they decided to hold the 7th session of the institution in the Republic of Guinea in 2025.

The success of this conference and the meetings underscores the collaborative efforts and dedication of all stakeholders in advancing the cashew sector.