Sustainability Key to Cocoa Production
The Rainforest Alliance has convened a high-level media roundtable in Accra to deepen collaboration and accelerate sustainability efforts within Ghana’s cocoa sector.
The engagement, held at the Alisa Hotel, brought together policymakers, industry stakeholders, and members of the media to discuss strategies for building a resilient and environmentally responsible cocoa value chain.
Speaking at the event, the Country Director of Rainforest Alliance Ghana, Nicholas Jengre, stressed the urgency of prioritising sustainability in the sector.
“Sustainability is no longer optional; it is essential to the future of Ghana’s cocoa sector,” he said. “Our work is focused on protecting biodiversity while ensuring farmers can earn a decent and stable income.”
He explained that the organisation continues to support cocoa farmers through certification programmes, climate-smart agriculture training, and partnerships aimed at promoting environmental conservation.
The Rainforest Alliance, a global non-governmental organisation, works to address critical environmental and social challenges such as deforestation, climate change, and rural poverty. In Ghana, its activities have been particularly significant in the cocoa industry, where issues like child labour and forest degradation remain pressing concerns.
Also addressing participants, Leslie Agyapong highlighted the importance of coordinated institutional support to complement private sector initiatives.
“Supporting cocoa farmers requires a coordinated approach,” she said. “Government interventions, access to finance, and technical support systems must align to ensure farmers are not left behind.”
She further emphasised that equipping farmers with the right knowledge and resources is critical to improving productivity while maintaining environmental standards.
Stakeholders at the roundtable underscored the need for stronger partnerships among government agencies, development organisations, and private sector actors to build a sustainable cocoa ecosystem. They noted that collaboration remains key to addressing systemic challenges and ensuring long-term growth in the sector.
The meeting also formed part of the Rainforest Alliance’s broader efforts to engage the media as a strategic partner in amplifying sustainability issues and promoting responsible production practices.
Participants expressed optimism that sustained dialogue, combined with policy alignment and industry cooperation, would help Ghana maintain its position as one of the world’s leading cocoa producers while meeting evolving global sustainability standards.
The roundtable is expected to pave the way for further stakeholder engagements aimed at strengthening Ghana’s cocoa value chain and improving livelihoods in cocoa-growing communities.
