CIGCI LAYS STRONGER FOUNDATION FOR BETTER COCOA PRICES – AGRIC MINISTER

Date: 12th June 2023

The Minister for Food and Agriculture (MOFA) Hon. Bryan Acheampong has lauded the joint effort of Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana towards building a stronger foundation for better and decent cocoa prices for farmers in the two countries. This, according to him, has helped to secure the much-anticipated improvement in the well-being of cocoa farmers.

Hon. Bryan Acheampong was addressing the 4th High-Level Meeting of the Cote d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) in Accra, Ghana. The meeting primarily discussed measures both countries have taken over the last few years to secure stability in the world prices of cocoa and also dialogue on the initiative’s future action for the Economic Pact. 

According to the Minister, it is imperative for the Initiative to continue in its determination to improve the livelihood of cocoa farmers through remunerative prices, promote and defend the two country’s common interest in the international cocoa market, enhance scientific and technical knowledge, harmonise production and marketing policies, increase processing capabilities and encourage domestic and regional cocoa consumption and utilisation.

He bemoaned that, “the years of effort by both countries to tackle these challenges have failed, even though collectively we supply 60 percent of the world cocoa production, our farmers are smashed with international trading policies, but as we joined forces to tackle these challenges we are making headway”.

The Minister further stated that the cooperation between the two countries has been built around a uniform framework that focuses on three (3) key areas i.e. economic, research, and governance of the secretariat.

“Within the economic realm, our focus lies on attaining higher international cocoa prices, addressing marketing challenges, enhancing farmer incomes, combating smuggling, and boosting processing and domestic consumption”, he said.

According to him, the importance of research, production, extension services, climate change, social issues in sustaining cocoa production and the existence of the Secretariat in achieving its primary goal of higher and sustainable international cocoa prices for our countries should be prioritised as the accord advances in its focus.

“I am optimistic about the future of our cocoa sector in both countries, it is my wish that we remain committed to finding solutions to the obstacles for a sustained industry”, he added.

He further urged all stakeholders along the value chain to rally their support behind the secretariat to champion this important initiative to make it attractive to other producing countries. 

“The secretariat will play a key role in consolidating the gains attained through the Living Income Differential (LID), monitoring compliance and advancing the position of our beloved countries on the international stage, therefore, there is the need for it to be fully equipped with more competent staff and adequate logistics”, he concluded. 

In attendance were some top officials of Le Conseil du Café Cacao, Ghana Cocoa Board, representatives of Agricultural Ministries of both countries.