By Racheal Quartey and Rukayatu Musah
Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has underscored the urgent need for increased local processing of Ghana’s cocoa as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and enhanced competitiveness on the global market.
She made the call during a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), led by Managing Director, Professor William Coffie. The discussions focused on advancing Ghana’s cocoa value-addition agenda and strengthening the market position of Ghanaian cocoa products locally and abroad.
“Processing our cocoa locally is not just an economic priority; it is central to Ghana’s industrial growth and economic sovereignty,” the Vice President stated. “By adding value here at home, we ensure that Ghanaian cocoa products compete strongly in both African and international markets.”
The CPC leadership used the meeting to highlight recent gains made by the company, including a 100 percent increase in its share price over the past three months, a development they say reflects growing investor confidence and recognition of Ghana’s cocoa potential.
“The growth in our share price demonstrates the global recognition of Ghana’s cocoa potential and CPC’s commitment to excellence,” Professor Coffie said.
As part of efforts to deepen local consumption, the Vice President encouraged CPC to scale up domestic distribution, with a special focus on supplying cocoa-based products to senior high schools across the country.
“This untapped market can increase local consumption, support youth nutrition, and cultivate a new generation that values Ghanaian products,” she emphasized.
Looking beyond Ghana’s borders, Professor Opoku-Agyemang identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major opportunity for expansion. She urged CPC to leverage the continental trade framework to take Ghanaian cocoa products to new markets across Africa.
“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 noted.
The Vice President reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting strategic state-linked enterprises such as CPC to drive structural transformation of the cocoa sector.
“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,” she assured.
