The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Chairman, Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, has revealed that Ghana targets a cocoa production of 650,000 metric tonnes to revive the industry. Announcing this on November 19, 2025, during a visit to the Western North Region, he met with traditional leaders (Nananom) and key cocoa stakeholders.
Speaking at the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, Dr. Ofosu Ampofo highlighted concerns about the current decline, with production down to 450,000 metric tonnes. He stressed the new goal’s feasibility through combined efforts from farmers, traditional authorities, and government bodies.
He outlined a plan to increase output annually so that in four years, Ghana regains its former high production and boosts its global market standing. One crucial step involves strong support from Nananom in providing more farmlands for cocoa cultivation.
Dr. Ofosu Ampofo also flagged cocoa smuggling as a significant cause of the drop, citing farmers illegally trading beans to neighbouring countries like Togo and Côte d’Ivoire. He urged traditional leaders to help COCOBOD combat smuggling to achieve the production target.
Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, Chief of Sefwi Boinzan and Acting President of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, praised COCOBOD’s renewed focus and pledged traditional leaders’ backing by making land available for expanded farming. He encouraged the government to attract youth to cocoa farming through private investment partnerships that boost jobs and productivity.
Additionally, Nana Ofori Ahenkan II called for reforms to the COCOBOD Scholarship Scheme, noting it has been captured by the privileged and no longer reaches many cocoa farmers’ children. He urged COCOBOD’s new leadership to restore the scholarship’s original purpose for the benefit of cocoa farmers’ families.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com