The government has pledged sweeping reforms to revitalise Ghana’s cocoa sector amid growing challenges, including delayed payments to farmers.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the measures are aimed at building a more resilient, value-driven cocoa industry capable of sustaining the economy and improving returns across the value chain.
Speaking at a meeting with cocoa processors ahead of a press briefing on Thursday, February 12, he underscored the need to assess local processing capacity as part of a broader strategy to deepen 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,” Forson said.
Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, also stressed that strengthening value addition along the cocoa value chain would generate employment opportunities and help stabilise the local currency.
COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer Dr. Randy Abbey called for a decisive shift away from decades of dependence 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.
The reforms are expected to address structural weaknesses in the sector while boosting local processing, improving farmer welfare and positioning Ghana to earn more from its globally sought-after cocoa.
