Bryan Achaempong, Minister for Food and Agriculture has pointed out the importance of vigilance among stakeholders involved in the Ghana-Cote d’Ivoire cocoa cooperation framework, urging them to protect the cooperation from the influence of external actors who may seek to undermine the joint effort for personal gain.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and Le Conseil du Café-Cacao (CCC) of Cote d’Ivoire established a strategic partnership with mutual goals and outcomes as part of efforts to promote and improve the welfare of cocoa farmers and overall sustainability for the cocoa industry.
“While much progress has been made through our joint effort, some challenges yet persist; particularly in managing country differentials and effectively mitigating the influence of external factors.
“We must remain vigilant and use all channels to protect our cooperation from the interests of certain multinationals and foreign governments that seek to exploit our joint efforts for their gain. By doing so, we can maximise benefits and ensure the long-term success of this cooperation.”
Bryan Achaempong
According to Bryan Achaempong, the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative, CIGCI, has made significant progress toward achieving several goals, including improving cocoa farmers’ livelihoods through remunerative prices, addressing marketing challenges, increasing farmer incomes, combating smuggling, and increasing processing and domestic consumption.
“The cooperation between Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire holds tremendous potential for improving the economic benefits derived from cocoa production in our countries. Through our joint action, we have laid the foundation for a better future to achieve higher international cocoa prices and secure the well-being of our cocoa farmers. While challenges persist, we remain committed to finding solutions.”
Bryan Achaempong
The minister also stated that the CIGCI’s immediate priority should be to establish a fully operational secretariat, which will be critical in consolidating the gains made through the Living Income differential, monitoring compliance, and advancing both countries’ international standing.
Agric Minister Urges The Adoption Of Vital Approaches To Curb Cocoa Market Challenges
Although the Ghana-Cote d’Ivoire cocoa cooperation has made significant progress in addressing international cocoa market challenges, the minister acknowledged that some challenges remain, particularly in managing country differentials and effectively mitigating the influence of external factors.
“Our country-centric approaches to tackling this challenge proved ineffective at wielding the necessary influence within the global cocoa fraternity, thereby failing to secure income for our farmers.
“There is therefore need for a different approach; one wherein we join forces and embark on a joint action to seek common solutions to enhance the welfare of cocoa farmers and overall sustainability of our cocoa industries.”
Bryan Achaempong
Bryan Achaempong noted that coordinating efforts to address global cocoa market difficulties necessitates an integrated approach that builds confidence and transparency among stakeholders.
He emphasized the necessity of staying committed to the CIGCI’s goals, which include harmonising production and marketing policies, sharing scientific and technological expertise for mutual benefit, and increasing domestic and regional consumption and utilization of cocoa.
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