The Government of Ghana signs a Letter of Intent for Cooperation on the Sustainable Development of the Cocoa Industry and Circular Economy in Ghana, strengthening collaboration with Japanese confectionery giant, Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd.
The Letter of Intent is signed by the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, on behalf of the Government of Ghana, at the Meiji Milk Chocolate 100th Anniversary Commemoration and Partnership Event held in Accra.
The Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, signs on behalf of the Government of Japan, while the Chief Executive Officer of Meiji Holdings Co. Ltd. initials the document on behalf of the company
As part of the anniversary celebrations and in appreciation of Ghana’s longstanding partnership and friendship, Meiji presents the Government of Ghana with 10,000 cacao bioplastic ballpoint pens as a token of appreciation.
In a brief remark at the ceremony, Hon. Ofosu-Adjare congratulates Meiji on reaching its 100th anniversary, while expressing the Government’s best wishes for the company’s continued growth and success.
‘’The agreement demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to transforming its cocoa sector from a raw commodity exporter to a value addition hub that prioritizes farmer welfare, environmental protection and industrial innovation.’’
Hon. Ofosu-Adjare
The Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Hon. Dr. Julius Deborah, calls on relevant institutions to work closely together and maintain a strong focus on delivery. He stresses that the Government receives Meiji’s gesture in the spirit of friendship and partnership between Ghana and Japan.
He notes that Ghana values its longstanding relationship with Japan and appreciates companies like Meiji that continue to support Ghana’s agricultural transformation.
The symbolic presentation of 10,000 cacao bioplastic ballpoint pens made from cacao husks highlights the core objective of the partnership promoting a circular economy. The pens, produced from cocoa processing waste, demonstrate how innovation can convert by-products into useful, eco-friendly materials.
Officials at the ceremony say the initiative shows the huge potential within Ghana’s cocoa value chain to create new industries around waste valorisation, green packaging and bio-based products.
Ghana’s Cocoa Sector is an Economic Backbone Yet Facing Persistent Challenges
Ghana remains the world’s second largest producer of cocoa, with the sector employing over 800,000 farm families and serving as a major source of foreign exchange. Despite its importance, the sector faces challenges including climate change impacts, low productivity, price volatility and limited local processing.
The new Letter of Intent is expected to open avenues for technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and joint pilot projects in climate smart cocoa farming, sustainable sourcing and traceability systems.
It also provides a framework for exploring circular economy solutions, including the use of cocoa waste for bioplastics, organic fertilizers and renewable materials. Meiji Holdings, which has relied on Ghanaian cocoa beans for its iconic milk chocolate for decades, says Ghana’s quality beans have been central to its global brand for 100 years.
The company reaffirms its commitment to sustainable sourcing and to deepening its partnership with Ghana. The Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry says the Letter of Intent will be followed by detailed technical engagements involving the Ghana Cocoa Board, the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology, and other stakeholders to develop concrete, bankable projects.
The partnership aligns with the Government’s industrialization agenda and its target to increase local cocoa processing to over 60 percent of national output, while promoting environmental sustainability.
Industry stakeholders welcome the agreement, describing it as a strategic step that positions Ghana to benefit from the global shift towards sustainable and ethically sourced cocoa. Both governments express optimism that the cooperation will deliver tangible benefits for farmers, create green jobs, and strengthen the historic friendship between Ghana and Japan.
Both governments express optimism that the cooperation will deliver tangible benefits for farmers, create green jobs, and strengthen the historic friendship between Ghana and Japan. They say the pact goes beyond trade and represents a shared vision for a future where economic growth is balanced with environmental responsibility.
With global consumers increasingly demanding ethically produced and environmentally friendly products, Ghana is positioning itself to take advantage of this shift. The government indicates that sustainable cocoa will remain central to its export strategy, while Meiji notes that its centenary is an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to Ghana.
Both sides commit to ensuring that the Letter of Intent translates into real projects that improve farmer livelihoods, promote innovation, and deepen bilateral ties for the next 100 years.
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