Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire Seek Sustainable Future for Cocoa Industry

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps – 

The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has officially opened the 7th Steering Committee Meeting of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative in Abidjan, calling for deeper collaboration between the world’s two largest cocoa-producing countries to build a more resilient, prosperous, and profitable cocoa sector.

The high-level meeting brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, and stakeholders from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, including the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Randy Abbey. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, improving cocoa farmers’ incomes, and addressing emerging challenges facing the industry.

Chairing the meeting, Dr. Forson stressed that sustained dialogue and stronger cooperation remain essential to safeguarding the future of the cocoa sector.

“While we may not be able to resolve all our challenges here today, our collective determination to make a genuine and lasting positive impact on our farmers, our countries, and future generations should remain the driving force that guides our work,” he said. “The relevance and necessity of this collaboration are undeniable, and we must ensure that it succeeds.”

He noted that Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, as the world’s leading cocoa producers, have a shared responsibility to shape the future of the global cocoa industry rather than merely respond to market disruptions.

“As the world’s two leading cocoa-producing countries, we must engage more consistently and strategically to protect our economies. By doing so, we can better anticipate challenges, mitigate shocks, and shape the future of the industry rather than merely reacting to its disruptions,” he stated.

The Finance Minister urged participants to prioritise practical and actionable solutions that would strengthen the partnership and deliver lasting benefits to cocoa farmers.

“The cocoa sector deserves to be transformed into one that is more resilient, prosperous, and profitable for the benefit of both our countries and our farmers,” he emphasised.

Also addressing the meeting, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production, Bruno Nabagné Koné, underscored the importance of collective action in overcoming the challenges confronting the cocoa sector.

“We have gathered because we are combining our efforts. I do count on your spirit of responsibility,” he said.

Minister Koné further stressed the need to guarantee decent incomes for cocoa farmers through closer coordination and greater harmonisation of cocoa pricing policies between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

“Ensuring decent income and justice through harmonisation of prices is critical. Cocoa must first of all guarantee a worthy lifestyle for farmers,” he added.

Established jointly by the Governments of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative seeks to coordinate cocoa policies, strengthen both countries’ influence in the global cocoa market, and improve the livelihoods of millions of cocoa farmers.

The 7th Steering Committee Meeting is expected to produce concrete recommendations to deepen bilateral cooperation and advance efforts towards a more sustainable, resilient, and profitable cocoa industry.