Editorial by Alex Assanvo: Ghana’s Bold Move Sets the Tone for a Fairer Cocoa Economy
In an era where sustainability, fairness, and resilience must define our global commodity systems, Ghana has once again shown remarkable leadership in its cocoa sector. The recent announcement by the Ghanaian government to raise the producer price of cocoa from US$3,100 per ton to a historic US$5,040 per ton marks not just a significant economic decision, but a powerful statement of intent—one that places the welfare of the cocoa farmer at the heart of national and regional cocoa policy.
As Executive Secretary of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI), I extend warm congratulations to the Government of Ghana and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for this milestone achievement. It is a clear demonstration of Ghana’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable cocoa economy, one in which the farmer is no longer the weakest link in the value chain.
This price adjustment is not a standalone event—it is part of a broader movement that began in 2019 when Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, accounting for over 60% of global cocoa production, began coordinating their cocoa policies to challenge systemic market failures. Since then, our countries have advanced joint actions in farmgate pricing, market transparency, and equitable value distribution—measures that are critical to transforming cocoa into the world’s first truly sustainable commodity.
Over the past four years, the cocoa sector has faced unprecedented volatility. Market prices have often hovered well below production costs, creating a climate of economic uncertainty and social strain for millions of smallholder farmers. Ghana’s bold step to realign the producer price is a crucial milestone in correcting this imbalance. It reaffirms what we at the CIGCI have consistently advocated: a fair price to farmers is the foundation of a sustainable cocoa sector.
This achievement also reflects the strength of African cooperation, with Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana standing shoulder to shoulder in a level of policy coordination that is unprecedented on the continent. Together, we are building a shared vision of a cocoa economy that is environmentally responsible, economically viable, and socially just.
The transformation we seek is not only about numbers on a ledger—it is about dignity, fairness, and hope. The cocoa farmer, who wakes before dawn and toils under the tropical sun, must be the ultimate beneficiary of the cocoa value chain. There can be no chocolate without the cocoa farmer, and there can be no sustainability without justice.
As we look ahead, we remain committed to engaging with global partners, industry stakeholders, and consumers to advance this vision. Together, we will build a future where cocoa becomes a model for ethical and sustainable commodity production.
Congratulations once again to Ghana. Today’s decision is a victory not only for cocoa farmers, but for the integrity of our shared future.
Alex Assanvo
Executive Secretary
Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI)
Source: My News Ghana
