The National President of the Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association Limited, Issifu Issaka, has called for urgent action to sustain the country’s cocoa industry.
Speaking to ABC News Ghana, Issaka said, “There should be a full package directing the youth to cultivate the habit of coming into the cocoa sector, so that sustainability of cocoa will come to bear.”
He expressed concern over declining production, noting that Ghana is struggling to produce 400,000 metric tonnes this year, compared to 500,000 metric tonnes last year.
He warned that the sector’s future is at risk, stating, “It tells you that the sustainability of the cocoa sector is in danger.”
Issaka further reiterated the association’s demand for an increase in the producer price to at least GH₵6,000 per 64kg bag, saying current prices are driving youth away and leaving aging farmers to shoulder the burden.
Issifu Issaka reminded President-Elect John Dramani Mahama of his campaign promises made during a February 2024 meeting in Kumasi with cocoa farmers.
“We are here to remind him that the promises he made—to pay 70% gross FOB to farmers, encourage youth into the cocoa sector, and ensure farmers are well paid and treated—must be fulfilled,” Issaka said.
Issaka stressed the need for action to reverse declining production, adding, “The farmers are not paid well, and they cannot afford labor. The youth are running away from the sector.”
Issaka also criticized the outgoing Akufo-Addo administration, saying that many cocoa farming communities voted for change due to dissatisfaction with the sector’s conditions.
Issifu Issaka also highlighted the broader implications of neglecting the sector:
“Last year, Ghana was struggling to produce 500,000 metric tonnes. This year, per our data, we are struggling to produce 400,000 metric tonnes. It tells you that the sustainability of the cocoa sector is in danger.”
