The Cocoa Value Addition Artisans Association of Ghana (COVAAAGH) has expressed its strong support for the government’s visionary policy initiative aimed at enhancing local cocoa value addition and chocolate manufacturing enterprises.
The association believes this move will bolster the domestic cocoa value chain, stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and boost Ghana’s standing in the global cocoa and chocolate industry.
In a statement released, George Adjei-Bekoe, President of COVAAAGH commended the government for its forward-thinking approach, stating, “We commend the Government for its upcoming visionary and transformative policy initiative aimed at providing cocoa beans to indigenous cocoa value addition and chocolate manufacturing enterprises.”
Under the proposed policy, the government will facilitate the direct supply of premium Ghana cocoa beans to COVAAAGH members and other local small-scale cocoa processing and manufacturing enterprises.
This support aims to empower these entities to produce high-quality cocoa-based products for both domestic consumption and export markets.
Mr. Adjei-Bekoe emphasized the significant impact this policy could have, saying, “This remarkable step will not only bolster the domestic cocoa value chain but also promote economic growth, job creation, and increase Ghana’s share of the global cocoa and chocolate industry valued at $130 billion.”
COVAAAGH has identified a challenge, which they hope the policy will address.
The Cocoa Marketing Company’s existing 50-metric tonne minimum threshold for cocoa bean purchases has been seen as prohibitive to Ghana’s growing artisanal cocoa value-addition industry.
As a result, local small-scale manufacturing enterprises have been compelled to source semi-finished raw materials from Free Zones cocoa processing companies at inflated prices, including import duties, levies, and taxes amounting to over 59%.
COVAAAGH urged the government to expedite the implementation of this strategic policy to unlock its potential benefits for the Ghanaian economy.
Mr. Adjei-Bekoe emphasized their enthusiasm, stating, “Once again, COVAAAGH is excited about the prospects of this policy and looks forward to working closely with the government to ensure its successful implementation.”
He also extended gratitude to the government for recognizing the pivotal role played by local value-addition artisans in the cocoa sector.
He assured the Government and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) of their readiness to collaborate for the smooth implementation of this transformative policy, aiming to fully benefit the people of Ghana and foster growth in the local cocoa value-addition sector.