Local processors to buy cocoa directly from Cocoa Marketing Company-COCOBOD

By Christabel Oboshie ANNAN & Zeenatu ABUBAKAR, Accra

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has declared its commitment to supporting individuals and firms engaged in local value-added cocoa production.

The board has finalized its policy, ensuring that artisanal chocolate makers can now directly purchase cocoa beans from the Cocoa Marketing Company Limited, starting this year.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in charge of Finance and Administration at COCOBOD, Emmanuel Ray Ankrah, emphasized that this move exemplifies COCOBOD’s dedication to artisanal chocolate makers.

He expressed the intention to enhance value addition in cocoa consumption, stating this during the launch of the National Chocolate Week Celebration in Accra, themed ‘Eat Chocolate, Stay Healthy, Grow Ghana.’

He highlighted that allowing artisanal chocolate makers to buy cocoa beans directly addresses concerns related to high production costs associated with obtaining beans from secondary sources. He emphasized that this initiative also supports the growth of small businesses, contributing to the reduction of unemployment in the country.

Encouraging small-scale processors to seize this opportunity, Ankrah urged them to expand, innovate, and diversify their production lines to maximize profits.

He stressed the need for a multifaceted approach to address both demand and supply dynamics, emphasizing COCOBOD’s commitment to promoting local consumption.

Ankrah further emphasized the importance of investing in consumer analysis to showcase the nutritional benefits, versatility, and unparalleled quality of Ghanaian cocoa products.

The National Planning Committee for the Promotion of Cocoa Consumption, in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and other key stakeholders, is focusing on the youth as a potential market during this year’s celebration.

Inviting the youth to participate in tailored activities at the Chocolate City – Tetteh Quarshie, he encouraged them to interact with experts, fostering business networks.

He acknowledged COCOBOD’s significant success in productivity-driven and guard initiatives over the past seven years, with plans to hand over rehabilitated farms across cocoa regions to beneficiaries in the coming month.

The Deputy CEO highlighted that the future of the sector looks bright. He emphasized that promoting local consumption is not just an economic necessity but also a reflection of the country’s collective commitment to nurturing its cocoa industry and ensuring sustainable income for farmers.

The CEO of Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwesi Agyeman, expressed his excitement at the growing recognition and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of cocoa in Ghana.

He mentioned that they are thrilled about the partnership they have forged with cocoa processing companies and the Cocoa Board.

He added that this collaboration has transformed the Chocolate Day celebration into a National Chocolate Week over the last three years.

He stated that Ghana is the second-largest producer of cocoa in the world, and the cocoa industry holds a significant place in the national identity and economy.

Mr Agyeman highlighted their ongoing efforts to promote the ‘See Ghana, Eat Ghana, Wear Ghana, and Feed Ghana’ project.

He emphasized the need to focus on increasing cocoa and chocolate consumption across the value chain of the tourism and hospitality sector. According to him, the production and consumption of cocoa and chocolate-based products have been on the rise over the past few years.

He mentioned that the National Chocolate Week serves as a platform to showcase the exceptional quality and diversity of Ghanaian chocolate.

The Managing Director of Cocoa Processing Company, Kwadwo Ofori Sarfo, mentioned that they are ensuring an adequate supply of cocoa beans for processing to meet the high demand experienced during this period.

Programme lined up for the celebration include health walk, open exhibition and family day at the Chocolate City, cooking competition, time with school children, cocoa quiz competition and tour with a bar of chocolate.

This year’s celebration is organized by the Ghana Cocoa Board in collaboration with the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Cocoa Processing Company.