Cocoa Industry Is Not Collapsing – COCOBOD To Mahama

The management of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has refuted the notion of a collapsing cocoa industry by former President John Mahama. According to the cocoa regulator, such statements are misleading and detrimental to a vital sector like cocoa, which forms the foundation of Ghana’s economy.

In a statement, it put on record and assured the general public that the cocoa industry is not collapsing as being portrayed by the former President. The Former President made these statements while touring the Western North Region, claiming the producer price and mismanagement have collapsed the cocoa sector.

Mr. Mahama justified farmers giving their cocoa farms to illegal mining due to low remuneration. “Management of COCOBOD refutes the notion of a collapsing cocoa industry. Such statements are misleading and detrimental to a vital sector like cocoa, which forms the foundation of Ghana’s economy. We, therefore, wish to use the opportunity to make some clarifications and also set the records straight”.

It explained that the country recorded its highest ever cocoa production volume of over one million in the 2020/21 Crop Season. Thus, a cocoa industry which holds the position as the second highest producer in the world cannot also be said to have collapsed.  It continued that COCOBOD continues to invest in interventions which will ensure not just the sustenance but the growth of the industry.

For the first time in the history of the industry, COCOBOD said it is enrolling cocoa farmers across the country onto the Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme to ensure a decent retirement. It therefore remains committed to supporting farmers and ensuring the sustainability of the cocoa industry, and we will continue to work closely with our stakeholders to achieve our goals.