COCOBOD SIGNALS READINESS FOR TRADE PARTNERSHIPS WITH SA BUSINESS GIANTS

Date: 09th October 2026

The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr. Ransford Anertey Abbey has indicated that South Africa's expansive market holds significant  imperative for stronger partnerships for the mutual benefits of both countries. 

He said this when a delegation from South Africa, led by High Commissioner-designate, Her Excellency Ms. Linda Shongwe and a team of top officials, paid a courtesy call on him and management of Cocoa Boad to strengthen relations, explore cooperative opportunities in cocoa value-addition  and rejuvenation of cocoa plantations. 

Dr. Abbey used the opportunity to invite South African pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and confectionery giants to partner with COCOBOD through scientific exchange and joint commercial ventures. 

Speaking on behalf of the team, Ms. Shongwe expressed a strong interest in learning more about Ghana’s new cocoa legislation and its role in securing farmer incomes. She noted plans for further engagements with key Ghanaian state institutions, emphasising a desire to align policies, resolve past challenges, and consolidate the long-standing bond between both African nations.

In response, COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ransford Anertey Abbey addressed the recent strains in relations, contrasting these modern difficulties with the historical solidarity both nations shared during liberation struggles and efforts toward continental unity. He urged leaders from both countries to chart a fresh path toward reconciliation and shared African progress. 

Dr. Abbey detailed the significance of COCOBOD's new governing Act, which enshrines vital policy updates to enhance operational efficiency and protect farmers. Notably, the legislation legally guarantees that farmers receive at least 70% of the gross FOB price.  According to him, this mandate safeguards farmer income while protecting COCOBOD from accumulating unsustainable debt during seasons when the government chooses to cushion local prices despite falling global markets.

Furthermore, the Act establishes a bold new domestic pricing model that transitions Ghana away from offshore syndicated loans to a cedi-denominated system, offering greater resilience, local flexibility, and broader economic support. The legislation also provides legal protection for cocoa trees against arbitrary destruction and restricts COCOBOD from engaging in quasi-fiscal activities, ensuring the organization maintains clear priorities.

He also acknowledged previous financial backing from the Development Bank of South Africa (DBSA) and proposed a new funding collaboration to rehabilitate moribund cocoa farms. 

Under this proposed novel strategy, farms restored through DBSA funding would be ring-fenced to supply cocoa directly toward loan repayments starting in their third year of production, a novel approach designed to revitalise the sector and secure long-term farmer livelihoods. 

The meeting concluded with firm assurances from both delegations to advance these shared goals together.