Ghana’s cocoa production has indeed plummeted by nearly 50% over the past three years, posing significant challenges to the country’s economy and export commitments.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson revealed this alarming trend during the presentation of the 2025 Budget Statement on March 11.
The decline is attributed to various factors, including *adverse weather conditions*, *tree diseases*, and *illegal mining activities* (galamsey).
These challenges have resulted in reduced output, with Ghana’s cocoa production dropping to 429,323 metric tons in the season ending June, less than 55% of the average seasonal output.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) faced significant difficulties in meeting its contractual obligations, with a shortfall of 330,000 tonnes of cocoa in the 2023/2024 crop season.
This has severe implications for Ghana’s economy, as cocoa is a vital component of the country’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and foreign exchange.
To address these challenges, the government and COCOBOD are implementing measures to support sustainable farming practices, improve agricultural inputs, expand local processing capacity, and combat illegal mining.
These efforts aim to revitalize the cocoa sector, ensuring its long-term economic contribution and Ghana’s key role in the global cocoa market.
Story by: Ohemaa Adusi-Poku
