The Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) has secured a major win for Ghana at the annual cocoa freight negotiation conference in Rouen, France, where the Managing Director, Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, led a strong Ghanaian delegation.
Sponsored by the Senalia Group, the conference convened key players from the shipping industry and stakeholders in the global cocoa trade. Dogbey’s keynote set the tone for Ghana’s strategy at the meeting.
He underscored the importance of collaboration between shipping lines and CMC in order to strengthen commercial relationships and protect the sustainability of the cocoa value chain.
“We must work together to create a resilient framework that supports our farmers and ensures the continued success of the cocoa industry in Ghana”
Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, Managing Director of CMC
In his address, the CMC boss stressed the need for shipping lines to increase their calls at Takoradi port, citing it as a strategic hub for the cocoa trade. He also urged operators to adopt improved technologies that would boost efficiency in cocoa shipping.
Another key demand was for the consistent provision of food-grade containers to avoid disruptions in transporting Ghana’s premium cocoa. This agenda was further reinforced through CMC’s collaboration with the Ghana Shippers Authority, which strongly advocated on behalf of Ghana during the negotiations.
The combined efforts ensured that the concerns of CMC, Cocobod and the country were fully represented.
A striking highlight of the gathering was Dogbey’s call for deeper corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives by shipping lines. He reminded operators that their operations directly affect local communities and urged them to give back in ways that would strengthen the lives of cocoa farmers and their families.
“By supporting local communities, we can create a more equitable and sustainable cocoa industry,” he emphasized. This appeal resonated with industry stakeholders who acknowledged the vital link between community welfare and the resilience of the cocoa sector.
Freight Rate, International Connections, and Renewed Optimism
The most decisive moment of the conference came when shipping lines pushed for increases in freight rates.
CMC resisted, presenting strong arguments against the hikes, which eventually prevailed. The resolution to maintain current shipping rates represents a significant gain for Ghana. It shields CMC from rising operational costs and helps keep Ghana’s cocoa competitive on the global market.
The outcome reflects the respect and partnerships CMC has built within the freight industry, as well as its determination to protect the national interest. For Ghana, this meant ensuring that farmers and the economy at large will not bear the burden of inflated shipping costs.
Beyond the negotiations, Dogbey also toured the factory of one of France’s prominent chocolate producers that sources Ghanaian cocoa. The visit provided an opportunity to observe chocolate production processes and reaffirm the strong ties between Ghana’s cocoa and international buyers.
It highlighted the reputation Ghana enjoys for quality beans and the value attached to them on the global stage.
As the conference wrapped up, Dogbey expressed appreciation to the shipping lines for their “cooperation and the constructive engagements,” throughout the event. His message of gratitude underscored a sense of optimism and renewed commitment to partnership between CMC and international stakeholders.
The conference outcome signals more than just an economic win. It points to a stronger positioning of Ghana as a leader in the global cocoa industry. With freight rates secured, stronger ties with shippers forged, and an increased focus on CSR, CMC has laid the foundation for greater resilience in Ghana’s cocoa trade.
Looking ahead, the company’s leadership and advocacy efforts are expected to continue driving reforms that benefit not only exporters and the industry but also the farmers and communities who remain the backbone of Ghana’s cocoa success story.
READ ALSO: NPA Deepens Energy Ties with Burkina Faso to Boost Regional Security
