In the quiet farming community of Suma in the Jaman North District, a bold new chapter in Ghana’s agricultural transformation is taking shape one that seeks to turn waste into wealth and empower women at the heart of rural economies.

WAN-Hive Ghana has officially launched the Cashew Value Addition and Livelihood Empowerment Project (CALEP), a pioneering initiative designed to unlock the untapped economic potential of cashew fruit long discarded despite its rich value.

The project, co-funded by the European Union and implemented in partnership with GIZ, will equip women with practical, income-generating skills, marking a significant stride toward rural industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.

At the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of WAN-Hive Ghana, Janet Issifu, highlighted a long-standing imbalance in Ghana’s cashew sector.

“For years, our focus has been on the cashew nut for export, while the fruit rich in nutrients and economic potential goes to waste. CALEP is here to change that narrative,” she stated.

Under the programme, 50 women will undergo an intensive four-month hands-on training, where they will learn to process cashew fruit into high-value products such as juice, milk, and other export-ready derivatives.

Beyond processing, the initiative will introduce modern farming techniques, with technical experts supporting farmers to improve productivity and quality across the value chain.

“We are not only training women, we are building entrepreneurs,” Madam Issifu emphasised. “With the right skills, equipment, and support, these women can create sustainable businesses and access new markets.”

The Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions together account for nearly 90 percent of Ghana’s cashew exports. Yet, a significant portion of the fruit is left to rot after the nuts are harvested representing a major economic loss and missed opportunity for value addition.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, Eric Adjei, described the initiative as both timely and transformative.

“Communities like Suma are deeply rooted in cashew farming, yet we continue to waste a valuable resource. This project aligns perfectly with government’s vision to build an entrepreneurial culture, especially among the youth and women,” he noted.

Adjei reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting such interventions, adding that NEIP stands ready to collaborate and provide further support to ensure the project’s success.

“This is a chance to acquire skills, create businesses, and secure your future. I urge every woman here to take full advantage of this intervention,” he encouraged.

Beneficiaries of the programme expressed excitement and gratitude, describing the initiative as life-changing and a pathway to financial independence.

The launch drew a diverse cross-section of the community including artisans, students, entrepreneurs, traditional leaders, and government representatives reflecting strong local support for the initiative.

As Ghana intensifies efforts to deepen value addition in agriculture, the CALEP project stands out as a compelling model transforming overlooked resources into engines of growth, while placing women at the centre of sustainable rural development.

Reporting by Daniel Donkor-Bono Region