In a proactive move to align with the government’s recent announcement mandating that at least 50% of cocoa be processed locally, Dr. Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, Managing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), visited West Africa Mills Company (WAMCO) to evaluate the readiness of cocoa processing companies for this significant reform. This reform encompasses CMC’s own Project Elevate, aimed at transforming raw cocoa into semi-finished products for export.
This is a bold and visionary reform by His Excellency President John Mahama and it is designed to enhance the value chain within the cocoa sector, ensuring that Ghana capitalizes on its rich cocoa resources while boosting local employment and economic growth. By increasing local processing through key players like CPC, WAMCO and private processors, the initiative aims to create a more sustainable and resilient cocoa industry.
During the visit, Dr. Dogbey conducted a thorough assessment of WAMCO’s processing capabilities, infrastructure, and operational readiness to meet the impending changes, among others. “It’s crucial that we prepare our processing facilities to handle the increased capacity and quality standards that will come with this reform,” Dr. Dogbey stated. The visit included discussions with WAMCO executives about production targets, pricing, demand, investments in technology, and quality certifications to support the transition.
WAMCO, a key player in the cocoa processing industry, has expressed its commitment to enhancing production capabilities in line with the government’s vision. The company’s management highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade certifications and improve operational efficiencies to meet demand for semi-finished cocoa products.
Dr. Dogbey emphasised the collaborative effort required from all stakeholders in the cocoa sector to ensure the successful implementation of the reform. “This is not just a government initiative; it is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all stakeholders in the value chain,” Dr. Dogbey added.
The visit to WAMCO marks a critical step in CMC’s ongoing efforts to lead the charge in cocoa value addition and exportation. By fostering partnerships with processing companies and aligning with government policies, CMC aims to enhance the cocoa sector’s contribution to Ghana’s economy.
As the cocoa industry gears up for this transformative reform, the commitment from both the government and industry leaders like CMC signals a promising future for Ghana’s cocoa processing landscape, ensuring that the nation maximises its potential in the global cocoa market.
