Chamber of Agribusiness Calls for Structural Reforms in Cocoa Board Amidst Declining Relevance
Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Farmer Anthony Morrison, has made a critique of the Ghana Cocoa Board, asserting that it has lost its relevance to cocoa farmers amidst rising production costs.
During an interview on GBC’s Talking Point on Sunday, September 15, 2024, Mr Morrison expressed concerns over the recent 45% increase in cocoa producer prices, deeming it insufficient for farmers who face escalating expenses related to weeding, spraying, and fertilizer application.
He highlighted a significant disparity in the measurement of cocoa bags between Ghana and other cocoa-producing nations, noting that while Ghana’s cocoa bags weigh 64kg, countries like Indonesia and Côte d’Ivoire utilize lower weights, potentially diminishing the impact of Ghana’s price hike on local farmers.
He also emphasized the need for a comprehensive review of the factors influencing cocoa pricing, both domestically and internationally, urging the Cocoa Board to refocus its strategies to better support farmers.
Mr Morrison further criticized the Board’s operational structure and the high costs associated with its headquarters, arguing that these inefficiencies have contributed to seven consecutive years of financial losses.
“We need to look into the Cocoa Board’s structural position, functions, and competitive advantage in the global market. Its approach must add value to Ghana’s cocoa. We need to export value-added cocoa to the international market and not raw cocoa; that is where the board can get money to pay the cocoa farmers what they deserve,” he remarked.
Echoing the call for reform was Ziad Hamoui, Executive Director of Tarzan Enterprise Limited, who questioned the board’s substantial expenditures while its core mission remains the production, processing, and export of cocoa.
Mr Hamoui also reiterated that the recent price increase does little to address underlying issues, including the smuggling of cocoa to neighboring countries, which undermines the value farmers receive.
Both Mr Morrison and Mr Hamoui are advocating for a restructured Cocoa Board that prioritizes a market-oriented approach and emphasizes the export of value-added cocoa products, a strategy they believe could enhance profitability and ensure fair compensation for Ghana’s cocoa farmers.
