By: Kenneth Appiah Bani
The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Ransford Abbey, has held high-level discussions with leading Japanese chocolate manufacturers at the ongoing Japan Expo, aimed at strengthening trade relations and boosting Ghana’s cocoa sector.
The engagement focused on securing a more stable supply of cocoa to Japan, promoting value addition, and creating new market opportunities for Ghanaian cocoa farmers. Japan, known for its premium chocolate industry, has long been a strategic partner for Ghana’s cocoa exports, and the latest talks are expected to cement this relationship further.
Dr. Abbey emphasized Ghana’s commitment to providing high-quality, ethically sourced cocoa while advancing efforts to process more cocoa beans locally. According to him, value addition remains at the heart of Ghana’s cocoa strategy, ensuring that farmers and the national economy derive greater benefits from the sector.
“This partnership will not only deepen trade but also empower Ghanaian farmers, enhance sustainability, and open new channels for investment,” Dr. Abbey stated.
Industry analysts believe the strengthened cooperation could significantly boost Ghana’s cocoa exports and attract greater Japanese investment into processing and innovation in the cocoa value chain. The move is also expected to bolster Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings and contribute to broader economic development.
The collaboration highlights Ghana’s continued push to diversify global markets for its cocoa while building stronger economic ties with Japan, a country that values both quality and sustainability in its chocolate production.
