COCOA FARMERS EMBRACE GHANA COCOA TRACEABILITY SYSTEM (GCTS)

Date: 26th December 2023

More than 150 cocoa farmers in Fahiakobo and surrounding communities in the New Edubiase District, Ashanti Region have been sensitised on the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System (GCTS).

GCTS is part of a wider initiative by COCOBOD to enhance cocoa sector efficiency and traceability to ensure a sustainable cocoa industry. It will also help to ensure compliance with changing access requirements to major cocoa export markets.

Speaking at a durbar, Mr Dickson Agyapong, a Principal Officer at the Social Science and Statistical Unit (SSSU) of Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), explained that the introduction of the Cocoa Management System (CMS) has birthed the Ghana Cocoa Traceability Systems (GCTS) which is a key component of the EU regulatory framework.

Mr. Agyapong added that, the GCTS platform will help trace every tonne of cocoa sold to the LBCs from the farmer all the way to final consumer outside the shores of the country and the reverse of the same process.

He further explained that the GCTS comprises of various actors along the value chain that will work hand in hand to ensure that Ghana’s cocoa sector continues to maintain its niche as the producer of “Premium Quality Cocoa” on the international market.

“With the GCTS, farmers, purchasing clerks, district officers and managers of LBCs, haulers among others all have a role to play to ensure it is successful”, he reiterated.

Adding on, Mr Agyapong stated that, other components of the GCTS such as the Cocoa Purchase App will help reduce the stress farmers go through in acquiring payment from the sale of their produce to LBC’s. By this, a far better and prompt payment through Mobile Money (Momo), bank transfers and other electronic payment platforms will be used for the transactions.

Notwithstanding these facts, Mr. Agyepong also said, just as farmers who produce certified cocoa attract some premium from the sale of their cocoa, a traceable cocoa of high quality that has passed through all the checks, inspections and accepted by Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) for shipping will also attract extra premium.

“If you apply the teachings from your Community Extension Agents and none of your cocoa is rejected through the process and shipped, management will trace and reward you accordingly”, he emphasized.

Mr. Agyapong further advised farmers to be actively involved in the process to have a better understanding since the cocoa sector is currently evolving and competing with other countries in the cocoa business.

“Cote d’Ivoire is actively involved, Nigeria, Cameroon other African countries are also embarking on this transformational agenda and innovation, so accept it and let it be part of your trading life”, he said.

Mr. Agyapong also urged cocoa farmers across the country to continue to support the Board’s initiative to build a more vibrant and sustaining cocoa sector.

In all more than 6000 cocoa farmers are expected to be sensitized in the New Edubiase District.