Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is urging a major push toward more local cocoa processing, stressing that it holds the key to job creation, stronger economic performance, and positioning Ghana more favorably on the world market.
She made these remarks during a high-level meeting with the Cocoa Processing Company’s management team, led by Professor William Coffie. Their conversation focused on deepening value addition and enhancing the competitiveness of Ghana’s cocoa products globally.
According to the Vice President, ramping up local processing is critical to transforming the cocoa sector.
“Processing our cocoa locally is not just an economic priority; it is central to Ghana’s industrial growth and economic sovereignty, by adding value here at home, we ensure that Ghanaian cocoa products compete strongly in both African and international markets.” she said
Professor Coffie also highlighted CPC’s improved performance, noting the rising share price as evidence of growing investor confidence and international recognition of Ghana’s cocoa potential.
The Vice President further underscored the need to tap into the domestic market, especially by encouraging chocolate consumption among children and young people.
“This untapped market can increase local consumption, support youth nutrition, and cultivate a new generation that values Ghanaian products,” she noted.
She also reiterated that the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presents enormous opportunities for CPC.
“CPC has the opportunity to take Ghanaian cocoa products across Africa. AfCFTA provides the avenue to grow markets, enhance competitiveness, and showcase our high-value products to the world,” she said.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang affirmed government’s commitment to supporting CPC’s mission to shift Ghana from exporting raw cocoa beans to exporting premium processed cocoa products.
“Our mission is to transform Ghana’s cocoa sector from exporting raw beans to exporting proudly Ghanaian, high-value products. CPC is leading this effort, and the government will continue to back them fully,” The Vice President emphasised.
