The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has firmly refuted claims made in a High Street Journal article titled, “Ghana’s Cocoa at Risk: How Lindt’s Lead Scandal Could Spell Disaster for Ghana’s Cocoa.”
Authored by Y.B. Antwi, Solomon Boakye, and Fred Kwarteng, the article raised concerns over contamination risks in cocoa production, drawing potential links to a recent lead contamination scandal involving Lindt chocolates.
While the article emphasized the critical need for safety in global cocoa production, COCOBOD has taken issue with its alleged inaccuracies and broad generalizations.
“This can either harm or damage Ghana’s cocoa industry and tarnish its reputation as producer of premium-quality cocoa.”
Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)
COCOBOD highlighted the operations of its subsidiary, the Quality Control Company (QCC), which oversees a state-of-the-art laboratory in Tema.
The press release emphasized that every cocoa bean exported from Ghana undergoes stringent testing to guarantee compliance with global safety standards.
Mitigation Measures in Place
COCOBOD outlined a range of proactive measures implemented to address contamination risks in cocoa production, countering claims in the article that Ghana’s cocoa was at risk.
“A thorough monitoring system to ensures that cocoa farms adhere to safe agricultural practices. Only active ingredients allowed by the EU for cocoa are certified for use on cocoa in Ghana.”
Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)
COCOBOD further noted that farmers are regularly trained on sustainable farming methods and the application of environmentally safe inputs. These training programs empower farmers to adhere to best practices, minimizing the risk of contamination while promoting long-term sustainability.
According to COCOBOD, its working closely with international regulatory bodies and stakeholders to enhance quality control processes and ensure Ghana’s cocoa retains its position as the global benchmark for excellence.
These measures are to ensure the consistent production of high-quality cocoa while safeguarding the environment and farmers’ livelihoods.
Reassurance to Stakeholders
In its release, COCOBOD assured buyers, traders, and manufacturers that Ghana’s cocoa continues to meet the stringent requirements of global markets. The board expressed confidence in the safety and quality of Ghanaian cocoa, which has consistently earned international acclaim.
“Ghana’s cocoa beans remain safe and of the premium quality that has earned global recognition over the years,” the statement noted. COCOBOD reaffirmed its commitment to preserving Ghana’s reputation as a world leader in cocoa production through sustained quality control and innovation.
COCOBOD expressed disappointment at what it described as the lack of research and contextual understanding demonstrated in the High Street Journal article.
The board noted that the publication failed to acknowledge Ghana’s unique cocoa production landscape and the extensive measures in place to mitigate contamination risks.
The statement also warned that unsubstantiated claims in the media could harm the livelihoods of over 800,000 Ghanaian cocoa farm families and the broader economy.
COCOBOD called on media outlets to exercise due diligence and verify information before publishing articles that could undermine confidence in Ghana’s cocoa industry.
“We respectfully urge media outlets to exercise due diligence before publishing stories that could negatively impact industries, livelihoods, and economies,” the statement said.
Ghana’s cocoa industry has long been a symbol of excellence, renowned for its sustainable farming practices and unmatched quality. COCOBOD remains resolute in its mission to uphold these standards and ensure that Ghanaian cocoa remains the benchmark for global production.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) in the press release reaffirmed commitment to transparency and continuous improvement, positioning Ghana’s cocoa industry as a resilient pillar of the country’s economy and a trusted source of premium cocoa for the global market.
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