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The government has pledged to implement comprehensive reforms to revitalise Ghana’s cocoa sector, addressing ongoing challenges such as delayed payments to farmers.

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the reforms aim to establish a more resilient and value-driven cocoa industry. Speaking at a meeting with cocoa processors ahead of a press briefing on Thursday, February 12, he emphasised the need to assess local processing capacity as part of a broader strategy to enhance value addition.

“The sector has sustained this country for years, created jobs, and been the mainstay of our economy. But it is undergoing challenges that need reform. Reforms will be announced today, and I’m confident that going forward, all of us will be satisfied,” Dr. Forson said.

Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, highlighted that increasing value addition along the cocoa value chain would not only create jobs but also contribute to stabilising the local currency.

COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Randy Abbey, stressed the need to move away from decades of dependence on raw cocoa exports.

“We intend to change the direction of the cocoa sector. Overreliance on raw beans must end. We need to focus on value addition, job creation, and ensuring farmers receive fair value for their work,” he said.

The proposed reforms are expected to reshape Ghana’s cocoa industry, ensuring sustainable growth, improved farmer welfare, and stronger contributions to the national economy.