Dr Ato Forson calls for deeper cocoa industry collaboration with Côte d’Ivoire

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, calling for deeper collaboration between the world’s two largest cocoa-producing countries to build a more resilient, prosperous, and profitable cocoa sector for farmers.

The meeting brought together senior government officials, industry stakeholders, and representatives from both countries, including the Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Randy Abbey. Discussions focused on strategies to strengthen cooperation, improve farmer incomes, and address emerging challenges facing the cocoa industry.

Chairing the meeting, Dr Forson underscored the importance of sustained dialogue and stronger cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, noting that the partnership remains critical to safeguarding the future of the cocoa sector.

“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 stated.

“The relevance and necessity of this collaboration are undeniable, and we must ensure that it succeeds.”

Dr Forson stressed that as the world’s two leading cocoa-producing nations, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire must take a proactive role in shaping the future of the industry rather than merely reacting to global market disruptions.

“As the world’s two leading cocoa-producing countries, we must engage more consistently and strategically to protect our economies. By doing so, we can better anticipate challenges, mitigate shocks, and shape the future of the industry rather than merely reacting to its disruptions,” he said.

He further called for practical and actionable solutions to strengthen the partnership and deliver tangible benefits to cocoa farmers.

“The cocoa sector deserves to be transformed into one that is more resilient, prosperous, and profitable for the benefit of both our countries and our farmers,” he added.

Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production, Bruno Nabagné Koné, also emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing challenges in the cocoa sector.

“We have gathered because we are combining our efforts. I do count on your spirit of responsibility,” he said.

Koné stressed the need to ensure decent incomes for cocoa farmers through closer coordination and harmonisation of cocoa pricing policies between the two countries.

“Ensuring decent income and justice through harmonisation of prices is critical. Cocoa must first of all guarantee a worthy lifestyle for farmers,” he stated.

The Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative was established by both governments to coordinate cocoa policies, strengthen their position in the global cocoa market, and improve the livelihoods of millions of farmers dependent on the sector.

The 7th Steering Committee Meeting is expected to produce concrete recommendations aimed at deepening cooperation and advancing efforts toward a more sustainable and profitable cocoa industry.