The government has pledged comprehensive reforms to reset Ghana’s cocoa sector as it faces mounting challenges, including delayed payments to farmers.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the planned reforms aim to build a more resilient and value-driven cocoa industry capable of sustaining the economy.
Speaking at a meeting with cocoa processors ahead of a press briefing on Thursday, February 12, Dr. Forson emphasized the need to evaluate local processing capacity as part of a broader strategy to boost value addition.
“The sector has sustained this country for years, created jobs, and been the mainstay of our economy. But it is undergoing challenges that need reform. Reforms will be announced today, and I’m confident that going forward, all of us will be satisfied,” he said.
Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, also highlighted that increasing value addition across the cocoa value chain would generate employment opportunities and help stabilise the local currency.
Meanwhile, COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer Dr. Randy Abbey called for a decisive shift away from the country’s long-standing reliance on exporting raw cocoa beans.
“We intend to change the direction of the cocoa sector. Overreliance on raw beans must end. We need to focus on value addition, job creation, and ensuring farmers receive fair value for their work,” he said.
