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

Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson said the reforms are aimed at creating 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 highlighted the need to assess local processing capacity as part of a broader strategy to promote value addition.

“The sector has sustained this country for years, created jobs, and been the backbone of our economy. But it is facing challenges that require urgent reform. Reforms will be announced today, and I’m confident that moving forward, all stakeholders will be satisfied,” Dr. Forson said.

Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, emphasised that increasing value addition along the cocoa value chain would create jobs and support the stabilisation of the local currency.

COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Randy Abbey, called for a strategic shift 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 prioritise value addition, job creation, and ensure that farmers receive fair value for their work,” he said.

The government’s planned reforms are expected to strengthen the cocoa industry, improve farmer welfare, and boost the sector’s contribution to Ghana’s economy.