Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the country’s cocoa sector from a raw material exporter into a fully integrated and sustainable cocoa economy that empowers farmers and creates decent jobs.
Speaking at the European Union Sustainable Cocoa Initiative on the final day of the Global Gateway Forum in Brussels, Professor Opoku-Agyemang said Ghana’s vision extends beyond the production and export of raw cocoa beans.
She noted that government is focused on value addition through local processing, manufacturing, and marketing of cocoa-based products to maximize returns for farmers and strengthen the national economy.
The Vice President urged the European Union (EU) and other international partners to move beyond policy dialogue and commit to meaningful investments that will transform Ghana’s cocoa sector.
“We must move towards a cocoa economy that prioritizes the wellbeing of farmers and ensures sustainability throughout the value chain. Ghana welcomes genuine partnerships that will translate into fair trade, technology transfer, and job creation for our people,” She said.
She emphasized that such collaborations should focus on improving farmers’ livelihoods, ensuring fair pricing, and promoting environmentally responsible farming practices.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang also highlighted the government’s ongoing initiatives to support smallholder farmers through training, improved access to finance, and the provision of high-yield seedlings to boost productivity and resilience against climate change.
Organized by the European Union, the Global Gateway Forum brings together leaders from across the world to discuss equitable and sustainable development partnerships.
Ghana’s participation underscores its commitment to building strategic alliances for the growth of key economic sectors and promoting inclusive, sustainable development.
Source: Myxyzonline.com/Akora Kofi Darko
