The spokesperson for the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association, Nana Aduna II, has called for major reforms to Ghana’s cocoa industry, including a leaner regulatory system and the establishment of a regional commodities exchange.
Speaking on Townhall Talk on Friday (13 March), Nana Aduna II argued that the current structure of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is no longer suited to modern market realities.
According to him, the institution has become overly bureaucratic and should be streamlined to focus mainly on regulation and quality control.
“We should have a lean cocoa regulator and a transparent commodities exchange where trading can take place,” he said.
He also emphasised the urgent need for Ghana to prioritise value addition rather than exporting raw cocoa beans.
“Why do we continue to put cocoa in a jute sack and send it away in its raw form?” he questioned.
Nana Aduna II warned that the cocoa sector faces long-term sustainability challenges, noting that the average age of cocoa farmers in Ghana is around 64 years.
“The system is not sustainable if the younger generation does not see value in cocoa farming,” he said.
He urged policymakers to focus on creating jobs and wealth within Ghana by processing cocoa locally and expanding related industries.
According to him, building a stronger value-added cocoa industry would create employment and increase national revenue.
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