The Association of Cashew Processors Ghana (ACPG) has raised alarm over the possible closure of two local cashew processing factories within the next two months, a development that could cost the industry up to 500 jobs. The Association attributes the looming shutdowns to inadequate financial investment, which is crippling the sustainability of operations within the local cashew processing sector. Speaking at the ACPG’s sixth annual general meeting, the immediate past president of the Association, Ed-Malvin Nii Ayi Bonte, issued an urgent appeal to the government for intervention. He called for low-interest loans and financial support to help revive struggling processors. “Once we stop processing midway, it means all the workers will have to be laid off and then brought back when the season resumes next year. This requires retraining, which costs money,” Bonte explained. “Those shutting down for two to three months risk losing almost all their workers.” He noted that the cashew processing sector currently employs around 2,000 workers nationwide. The potential closure of the two factories—both of which are indigenous, Ghanaian-owned businesses—could lead to the loss of about 500 jobs, threatening livelihoods and slowing progress in one of Ghana’s key agricultural processing sectors. Bonte emphasized that government support is vital not only for preserving jobs but also for boosting value addition in the cashew industry, which is critical for economic diversification and rural development. “The future of Ghana’s cashew sector depends on our ability to process locally. Without timely financial assistance, we risk collapsing the very foundation we’re trying to build,” he added. The ACPG continues to advocate for policy reforms and tailored financial solutions to strengthen local cashew processors and make the industry more resilient and competitive on both domestic and international markets.