Cocoa Alone Cannot Sustain Ghana’s Economic Ambitions — Asantehene

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene has called for a strategic diversification of Ghana’s economy, warning that cocoa alone can no longer sustain the country’s long-term economic ambitions.

Speaking at the 2026 Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition through the Nkoranza Manhene, Nana Kwame Baffoe IV, the Asantehene acknowledged cocoa’s historic contribution to national development but cautioned against overreliance on the crop.

“Cocoa has long been the backbone of Ghana’s economy. It has educated our children, built our communities, sustained rural livelihoods, and earned Ghana global recognition as a dependable agricultural producer,” he stated.

However, he noted that cocoa production faces mounting threats, including environmental degradation from illegal mining, climate change, erratic rainfall, shorter growing seasons, and increasing pest and disease pressures. These factors, he observed, have led to declining yields in several cocoa-growing regions over the past decade.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II commended government efforts to expand investment in other tree crops such as cashew, coconut, oil palm, rubber, mango, and shea.

“This vision is not speculative. It is firmly grounded in economic logic, ecological necessity and global market demand. As such, it deserves sustained attention and full national support and investment,” he said.

While cocoa currently generates about two billion dollars annually, the Asantehene projected that six major tree crops could collectively bring in 12 billion dollars or more in the future.

“The combined strength of Ghana’s diverse tree crops can become a powerful engine of sustainable growth. This journey will, however, require patience, long-term capital, discipline and effective coordination,” he noted.

He further emphasised the environmental value of tree crops, describing them as vital to restoring degraded lands, stabilising soils and protecting watersheds.

“As custodians of over 80 per cent of Ghana’s land, traditional authorities have a responsibility to ensure quality land stewardship,” he said, urging chiefs nationwide to make land available for responsible large-scale tree crop development. The summit, organised by the Tree Crop Development Authority in partnership with the World Bank, was attended by President John Dramani Mahama and several ministers of state.