Ghana launches inaugural World Cocoa Cup soccer tournament
27th November 2025
The Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association (GNACOFA), in partnership with Africa for Glory Agenda, has officially launched the World Cocoa Cup Soccer Tournament at the Accra International Press Centre on Wednesday, November 26, 2025.
The tournament, scheduled for March 2027 in Brazil, seeks to harness football’s global appeal to promote sustainable cocoa production under the theme: “Youth-Led Soccer for Sustainable Cocoa Production.”
Purpose and Vision
Project Manager Daniel Nana Osei Ampratwum, CEO of Africa for Glory Agenda, explained that the initiative aims to:
- Educate consumers, especially youth, about cocoa’s origins and economic importance
- Promote sustainable sourcing practices
- Address pressing issues such as child labour, land reclamation, and farmers’ pensions
“Football presents an unmatched opportunity to connect with consumers,” Ampratwum noted.
Road to Brazil
- Continental playoffs will precede the finals, with Ghana’s opening match set for February 1, 2026, featuring Asante Kotoko vs Accra Hearts of Oak.
- GNACOFA has also formed its own team, the GNACOFA Stars, to engage youth and attract talent into the cocoa sector.
GNACOFA President Ing. Stephenson Anane Boateng emphasized cocoa’s central role in Ghana’s economy:
- Supports 800,000 farm owners and 700,000 sharecroppers
- Generates approximately US$2 billion annually in foreign exchange
Both speakers stressed that the Cocoa Cup is more than a football competition—it is a social, cultural, and economic intervention designed to strengthen the cocoa value chain and celebrate farmers’ contributions.
Closing Note
Ampratwum concluded with a rallying call:
“Long live the cocoa economy. Long live cocoa. Long live the Cocoa Cup Soccer Tournament.”
This initiative positions Ghana at the forefront of combining sports diplomacy with agricultural advocacy, using football as a powerful platform to champion cocoa sustainability and farmer welfare.