Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has urged a stronger focus on local processing of Ghanaian cocoa as a vital strategy for increasing national revenue, creating jobs, and enhancing Ghana’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Speaking at a strategic meeting with Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) leadership, including Managing Director Professor William Coffie, she emphasized expanding the country’s cocoa value-addition agenda. “Local cocoa processing is not only an economic priority but essential for Ghana’s industrial growth and economic sovereignty,” the Vice President stated. “Adding value here ensures our cocoa products are competitive within Africa and worldwide.”
CPC shared recent successes, highlighting a 100% rise in its share price over three months, signaling growing investor confidence in Ghana’s cocoa sector. Professor Coffie remarked that the increase reflects global recognition of CPC’s excellence and Ghana’s cocoa potential.
The Vice President encouraged CPC to grow domestic distribution by targeting senior high schools nationwide to boost local consumption, improve youth nutrition, and nurture future appreciation for Ghanaian products.
Looking to continental expansion, Professor Opoku-Agyemang identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key platform for CPC to promote Ghanaian cocoa products across Africa. “AfCFTA opens doors to larger markets, better competitiveness, and global visibility for our premium cocoa products,” she noted.
Closing the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed government support for CPC’s mission to transform Ghana’s cocoa industry from exporting raw beans to exporting high-value Ghanaian products. “CPC is leading this transformation, and the government remains fully committed to backing them,” she concluded.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com