Ghana targets 650,000 tonnes of cocoa as COCOBOD moves to revive sector
COCOBOD sets new production goal amid concerns over declining output and rising cocoa smuggling losses.
GHANA – The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has set a new production target of 650,000 metric tonnes as part of efforts to revive the country’s cocoa sector.
The announcement was made by COCOBOD Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo during a visit to the Western North Region, where he met traditional leaders and key industry stakeholders.
Speaking during the engagement, Ofosu Ampofo expressed concern over the sharp decline in national cocoa output, noting that current production stands at 450,000 metric tonnes.
He said the new target is attainable with coordinated action among farmers, traditional authorities, and government agencies.
According to him, the objective is to gradually raise production each year so that Ghana can restore its former output levels within the next four years and reinforce its competitiveness on the global market.
The Chairman emphasized that support from traditional authorities will be crucial, especially through the allocation of additional farmlands for cocoa cultivation.
He identified cocoa smuggling as a major threat to production, noting that significant quantities of beans continue to be illegally transported to neighbouring countries such as Togo and Côte d’Ivoire.
Data from COCOBOD shows that Ghana lost more than US$1.1 billion to cocoa smuggling between the 2021/22 and 2024/25 seasons. The 2023/24 season recorded the highest losses, with 253,212 tonnes smuggled, amounting to approximately US$658.3 million.
In the ongoing 2024/25 season, 29,623 tonnes have already been smuggled, resulting in an estimated loss of US$143.7 million.
Ofosu Ampofo appealed to traditional authorities to support COCOBOD in curbing smuggling so the country can meet its new production target.
Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, Chief of Sefwi Boinzan and Acting President of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, commended COCOBOD’s renewed focus on strengthening the cocoa sector. He assured that traditional leaders are willing to make land available for large-scale cocoa cultivation.
He further encouraged the government to attract young people into cocoa farming by partnering with private investors to create job opportunities and improve productivity.
Nana Ofori Ahenkan II also called for reforms to the COCOBOD Scholarship Scheme, noting that it has deviated from its purpose of supporting children of cocoa farmers, leaving many eligible families without access.
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