The government will ensure that 50% of cocoa is processed locally

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) underscored the government’s determination to ensure that 50 percent of the cocoa produced in the country is also processed locally.

According to the institution’s director of public affairs, Fiifi Boafo, the government has planned a number of measures to achieve the feat.

Speaking at the ONGA Cook Art 2021 national grand final, Boafo explained that the move would be boosted by the market value of chocolate relative to that of raw cocoa beans.

“Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire together produce around 60% of the world’s cocoa. The total value of raw cocoa beans worldwide is estimated at US $ 12 billion.

“On the other hand, the chocolate market is valued at US $ 110 billion, indicating that adding value to our cocoa is more profitable than exporting raw cocoa beans,” he said. he declares.

The COCOBOD public affairs director added that “it is for this reason that the government of Ghana has decided to implement measures that will allow no less than 50% of the cocoa produced in the country to be processed locally for local consumption and export. . “

Fiifi Boafo also urged everyone to take advantage of the nutritional value and benefits of processed cocoa from Ghana.

“Ghana’s cocoa industry belongs to all Ghanaians. The potentials and opportunities of the sector are there for you to explore and take advantage of, depending on your skills, we have to rise to the challenge and become cocoa entrepreneurs outside of cocoa farming. I can, on behalf of COCOBOD management, promise you the fullest cooperation when offering such an intervention.