Mahama targets 50% local cocoa processing by 2030

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a bold vision to increase Ghana’s local cocoa processing capacity to 50% within the next five years. The target, if achieved, could significantly transform Ghana’s cocoa sector by creating jobs, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and reducing the country’s overdependence on raw cocoa bean exports.

President Mahama made the declaration during a high-level presidential session at the 60th Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the 51st Annual Meeting of the African Development Fund (ADF) in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

“From a low of about 25% processed cocoa, Ghana has risen to about 40%. Côte d’Ivoire is ahead of us. They have done 50%, which is commendable. We hope that over the next four to five years, we will reach the stage of Côte d’Ivoire at 50% and push even further,” he said.

Ghana currently processes approximately 40% of its cocoa, a figure that lags behind its neighbour, Côte d’Ivoire, which has already achieved the 50% mark. The two countries together supply more than 60% of the world’s cocoa beans but capture less than 6% of the nearly $130 billion global chocolate industry.

President Mahama’s renewed focus on local processing marks a strategic shift from Ghana’s traditional reliance on exporting raw cocoa beans — a practice that has long exposed the country to international price volatility and limited value addition.

Increasing local processing, according to the President, is expected to generate thousands of jobs across the cocoa value chain — from processing to packaging, logistics, and branding. More importantly, it is projected to significantly boost Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings through the export of semi-finished cocoa products like cocoa butter, paste, and powder, which attract higher global prices.

Mahama’s vision aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), positioning Ghana as a potential cocoa processing and chocolate production hub for Africa.

However, the President acknowledged the challenges ahead. Cocoa processing is energy-intensive, and Ghana continues to face infrastructure and power supply constraints that could deter private investment in the sector.

Local processors also face high financing costs and limited access to affordable credit. Additional hurdles include market access, global branding, and meeting international quality standards.

Despite these challenges, President Mahama expressed optimism that with the right measures — including joint ventures, policy support, and technical assistance — Ghana could overcome the barriers and meet its target. The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has already signaled its commitment to supporting this transformation by facilitating long-term supply contracts, improving farmer productivity, and backing domestic processors.