Vice President urges more local cocoa processing to increase jobs and revenue
Ghana’s Vice President has appealed to government agencies industry players and local entrepreneurs to accelerate efforts in processing cocoa locally. His call comes at a time when cocoa remains one of Ghana’s most important export commodities, and local value addition could significantly increase both employment and national revenue.
Speaking at a public event, he explained that exporting raw cocoa provides limited economic benefit compared to what could be gained from processing beans into higher value products such as cocoa butter, chocolate and other derivatives. He stressed that a shift toward processing in Ghana is not merely a business opportunity but a strategic economic imperative.
According to the Vice President, local processing would create new jobs in rural areas where cocoa is grown. Thousands of cocoa farmers and laborers could benefit through the establishment of processing plants in cocoa growing regions. Such factories would provide steady and sustainable employment, reducing poverty and encouraging young people to remain involved in the cocoa value chain.
He also argued that processing locally could help Ghana retain more foreign exchange earnings. Instead of shipping raw beans overseas, processed cocoa products could be sold abroad or on domestic markets. This would increase the income per ton of cocoa exported and strengthen Ghana’s balance of payments.
The Vice President said that government will support this agenda by offering incentives to local processors. These could include tax breaks, access to credit, and partnerships with foreign investors to bring in expertise. He highlighted the need for modern processing facilities that meet international standards so that Ghanaian products can compete globally.
Stakeholders in the cocoa sector welcomed the remarks. Cocoa cooperatives said they were ready to partner with the government. They pointed out that many of their members already understand the value of processing and only await the necessary infrastructure and financial support.
Economic analysts confirm that increasing local cocoa processing is critical for Ghana’s long term development. They note that processed cocoa products have much higher profit margins than raw beans. Analysts also warn that without reform, cocoa farmers risk exploitation by processors abroad who pay them low prices for raw beans and earn most of the value added.
Public health experts also weighed in, indicating that local processing could lead to innovation in nutraceuticals and food products derived from cocoa. These innovations could create new markets in health conscious consumer segments while promoting Ghana’s brand as a source of high quality cocoa.
The Vice President acknowledged that challenges must be addressed. These include limited electricity supply in rural areas, the need for skilled labor, and access to financing for small scale processors. He encouraged stakeholders to adopt a long vision and urged multilateral development partners to support capacity building.
In closing, he reiterated that cocoa is not just a commodity for Ghana but a national asset. By building a strong local processing capacity, Ghana can lift more of its citizens out of poverty, build a more diversified economy, and ensure that the wealth from cocoa benefits the country at multiple levels.
