The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has called for stronger collaboration between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to safeguard the future of the cocoa industry, urging the world’s two largest cocoa-producing countries to work more strategically to withstand market shocks and improve returns for farmers.
Speaking at the opening of the 7th Steering Committee Meeting of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative in Abidjan on Monday, June 15, 2026, Dr Ato Forson said sustained cooperation between the two countries remains essential to building a more resilient and profitable cocoa sector.
“As the world’s two leading cocoa-producing countries, we must engage more consistently and strategically to protect our economies. By doing so, we can better anticipate challenges, mitigate shocks, and shape the future of the industry rather than merely reacting to its disruptions,” he said.
The meeting brought together senior government officials, industry stakeholders, and representatives from both countries, including the Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Randy Abbey, to discuss measures aimed at strengthening cooperation, improving farmer incomes, and addressing emerging challenges in the cocoa sector.
Dr. Ato Forson said the partnership between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire remains critical as both countries seek to strengthen their influence in the global cocoa market and protect the livelihoods of millions of farmers who depend on the crop.
“While we may not be able to resolve all our challenges here today, our collective determination to make a genuine and lasting positive impact on our farmers, our countries, and future generations should remain the driving force that guides our work,” he said.
“The relevance and necessity of this collaboration are undeniable, and we must ensure that it succeeds.”
He further urged participants to focus on practical solutions capable of delivering measurable benefits to farmers and the wider economies of both countries.
“The cocoa sector deserves to be transformed into one that is more resilient, prosperous, and profitable for the benefit of both our countries and our farmers,” Dr. Forson said.
Also addressing the meeting, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Food Production, Bruno Nabagné Koné, underscored the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges confronting the sector.
“We have gathered because we are combining our efforts. I do count on your spirit of responsibility,” he said.
The Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative was established to coordinate cocoa policies between the two countries, strengthen their position in the global cocoa market and improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
The 7th Steering Committee Meeting is expected to produce recommendations aimed at deepening cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire as they seek to build a more sustainable, resilient and competitive cocoa industry.
