Ghana’s Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has opened the 7th Steering Committee Meeting of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative in Abidjan, urging deeper collaboration between the world’s two largest cocoa producers to build a more resilient and profitable sector for farmers.
The high-level meeting brought together senior government officials, industry stakeholders, and representatives from both countries, including Dr. Randy Abbey, Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation, improving farmer incomes, and addressing emerging challenges confronting the cocoa industry.
Chairing the session, Dr. Forson underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and strategic cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, stressing that the partnership is vital to safeguarding the future of cocoa.
“While we may not be able to resolve all our challenges here today, our collective determination to make a genuine and lasting positive impact on our farmers, our countries, and future generations should remain the driving force that guides our work,” he said. “The relevance and necessity of this collaboration are undeniable, and we must ensure that it succeeds.”
He emphasized that as the world’s leading cocoa producers, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire share a responsibility to shape the future of the industry rather than merely react to global market disruptions. “By engaging more consistently and strategically, we can better anticipate challenges, mitigate shocks, and secure the livelihoods of our farmers,” he added.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production, Bruno Nabagné Koné, echoed the call for collective action, highlighting the need to guarantee decent incomes for cocoa farmers through closer coordination and harmonisation of pricing policies. “Ensuring decent income and justice through harmonisation of prices is critical. Cocoa must first of all guarantee a worthy lifestyle for farmers,” he stated.
Established jointly by the Governments of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, the Cocoa Initiative seeks to coordinate policies, strengthen the countries’ position in the global market, and improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers. The 7th Steering Committee Meeting is expected to produce concrete recommendations to deepen cooperation and advance efforts toward a sustainable, resilient, and profitable cocoa industry.
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