COCOBOD COMMEMORATES 2024 INTERNATIONAL COCOA DAY WITH RENEWED COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE COCOA PRODUCTION

Date: 01st October 2024

Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) proudly joins the global community in commemorating International Cocoa Day 2024. This event is marked on 1st October every year to honour the invaluable contributions of cocoa farmers and key stakeholders within the cocoa industry. As the world’s leading producer of premium quality cocoa, COCOBOD takes this opportunity to reaffirm Ghana’s unwavering commitment to sustainable cocoa production, environmental stewardship, and enhancing the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.

Under the theme “Sustaining Cocoa for Future Generations,” COCOBOD remains dedicated to ensuring the long-term resilience and growth of the cocoa sector, especially in the face of evolving global challenges and industry dynamics. Central to this commitment is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders - farmers, government agencies, industry partners, and consumers - to promote ethical practices in cocoa cultivation, marketing, and processing.

COCOBOD emphasizes the urgent need for collective national action to safeguard the integrity of Ghana’s cocoa industry. We call on all Ghanaians to unite in the fight against illegal mining and cocoa smuggling, two significant threats to the sector's sustainability. Illegal mining continues to degrade farmlands, compromising the very foundation of cocoa farming, while cocoa smuggling undermines the financial returns and long-term viability of the industry by depriving farmers and the nation of rightful earnings from substantial investments in cocoa production.

COCOBOD strongly reiterates its commitment to working with both local and international stakeholders to maintain Ghana's leadership position in the global cocoa market. We, therefore, encourage all Ghanaians to stand firm in supporting the eradication of these detrimental practices, as the future of Ghana’s most prized commodity is at stake.

As the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) comes into effect on 1st January 2025, COCOBOD assures all stakeholders that extensive preparations are underway to ensure full compliance with the new regulation.

We urge industry participants to collaborate with us in this regard, as Ghana positions itself to meet the stringent sustainability and traceability standards outlined by the EUDR.

Finally, as we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our cocoa farmers, COCOBOD encourages all Ghanaians to support the local economy by purchasing locally processed cocoa products. Together, we can protect our rich cocoa heritage and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from Ghana’s world-renowned cocoa industry.

Happy International Cocoa Day to all stakeholders in the cocoa value chain, especially to our esteemed cocoa farmers!

ISSUED BY:
PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT

For more information, please contact the Public Affairs Department, Ghana Cocoa Board Office Direct Line: (0302) 66-17-66 E-mail: [email protected]