The Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) have engaged executives of Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to strengthen compliance with cocoa purchasing standards, with emphasis on accurate weighing, transparency and accountability across Ghana’s cocoa supply chain.

The meeting was led by Fiifi Boafo, Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD, and brought together executives of LBCs to discuss operational standards and measures to address malpractice during the cocoa crop year.

The engagement focuses on the use of certified weighing scales and adherence to established operational procedures to protect cocoa farmers’ earnings and promote fairness in transactions between farmers and purchasing clerks.

Mr. Boafo highlighted the need to enforce provisions of the Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182), which, according to the information provided on the meeting, guarantees cocoa farmers a share of at least 70 per cent of the achieved gross Free on Board (FOB) value.

‘’Compliance with the applicable purchasing framework is central to ensuring that farmers receive their rightful share of the value generated from cocoa exports.’’
Head of Public Affiars COCOBOD, Mr. Fiifi Boafo

Certified Weighing and Farmer Protection

He clarified that the weighing remains a critical component of cocoa purchasing because it determines the quantity of produce recorded during transactions and influences the payments farmers receive for their beans.

”The use of certified weighing scales is therefore important in promoting consistency and confidence in transactions between cocoa farmers and purchasing clerks. Where weighing equipment is inaccurate or operational procedures are not followed, farmers may face financial losses, while buying companies risk disputes and reputational damage.”
Head of Public Affairs of COCOBOD, Mr. Fiifi Boafo

The involvement of the GSA, which is responsible for standards and measurement-related functions, alongside COCOBOD, reflects the importance of technical compliance and sector oversight in cocoa purchasing.

For farmers, transparent weighing practices and compliance with approved purchasing procedures are directly linked to the protection of their earnings. For LBCs, effective implementation of these standards can support better record keeping, reduce disputes and improve accountability in the procurement process.

”Certified weighing equipment and strict adherence to approved procedures are essential to ensuring transparency and fairness in cocoa purchasing transactions.”
Head of Public Affairs COCOBOD, Mr. Fiifi Boafo

LBCs Urged to Strengthen Oversight

The executives of LBCs at the meeting were urged to strengthen supervision of purchasing clerks and ensure strict compliance with operational standards throughout the crop year.

Cocoa Board and GSA Engagement During the Meeting

Purchasing clerks are a critical link between cocoa farmers and licensed buying companies. Their conduct and adherence to approved procedures influence the integrity of transactions at the farmgate level, where farmers sell their produce.

An effective supervision is therefore necessary to ensure that purchasing activities are conducted according to established requirements. LBC executives are expected to maintain oversight of their purchasing operations and address practices that could undermine fairness or compromise the accuracy of transactions.

The call for stronger monitoring also underscores the need for internal controls within buying companies. Clear procedures, regular checks on weighing equipment, accurate transaction records and prompt action against irregularities can help reduce opportunities for malpractice.

LBC executives were urged to intensify oversight of purchasing clerks and enforce strict compliance with operational standards to eliminate malpractice across the cocoa supply chain.

Such measures are particularly important in a commodity supply chain where the livelihoods of farming households depend on the sale of their produce. Stronger operational discipline can also help build trust among farmers, purchasing companies and the institutions responsible for regulating the sector.

Accountability Across the Cocoa Supply Chain

Also the engagement highlights the importance of cooperation between standards authorities, COCOBOD and licensed buying companies in maintaining the integrity of cocoa purchasing.

While the use of certified weighing scales addresses measurement accuracy, sustained compliance requires consistent supervision, adherence to purchasing procedures and accountability for violations.

These measures must be implemented at the operational level to translate discussions into practical improvements in the buying process.

‘’The protection of farmers’ earnings also has wider implications for the sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry. Fair and transparent purchasing practices can strengthen confidence in the marketing system and support the relationship between producers and the companies that purchase their cocoa.’’
Head of Public Affairs COCOBOD, Mr. Fiifi Boafo

For LBCs, compliance with operational requirements is both a regulatory responsibility and an important aspect of responsible supply-chain management. Consistent enforcement can help limit disputes, improve operational credibility and reinforce confidence in cocoa transactions.

The meeting underscored the need for sustained cooperation among regulators, COCOBOD and licensed buying companies to promote accountability, protect farmers’ interests and uphold operational standards throughout the crop year.

The effectiveness of the engagement will depend on how consistently the agreed standards are applied across purchasing operations. Strong supervision, reliable weighing equipment and compliance with the applicable legal framework will remain important to ensuring that cocoa farmers receive fair treatment and that purchasing activities are conducted transparently.

By reinforcing these priorities, the GSA and COCOBOD are placing operational compliance and farmer protection at the centre of efforts to maintain accountability within Ghana’s cocoa purchasing system.