COCOBOD calls for fair pricing reforms ahead of 2027 cocoa meeting

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is pushing for stronger global collaboration and fairer pricing mechanisms in the cocoa industry as Ghana prepares to host the 2027 World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) Partnership Meeting in Accra.

Speaking at the official announcement of the event on Friday, May 22, 2026, the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr Randy Abbey, described Ghana’s selection as host as a major milestone for the country’s cocoa sector and an opportunity to influence global discussions on the future of cocoa production.

“It is an honour and privilege for us to host this important global gathering in Accra in 2027, and we are confident it will be a memorable event,” he said.

Dr Abbey noted that the last time the WCF Partnership Meeting was held in Africa was in 2016 in Côte d’Ivoire, adding that Ghana intends to use the 2027 event to advocate stronger investment, improved sustainability, and fairer returns for cocoa-producing countries.

He warned that the global cocoa industry is under increasing strain from climate change, crop diseases and rising production costs, even as fluctuating prices continue to threaten farmer livelihoods.

“We stand at a critical period in the history of global cocoa production. The world loves chocolate, but the system that delivers it is under immense strain,” he stated.

According to him, diseases such as the swollen shoot virus continue to devastate cocoa farms, reducing yields and undermining sustainability across producing countries.

Dr Abbey disclosed that the partnership meeting, scheduled for March 16 to 18, 2027, in Accra, will provide a platform for engagement with international chocolate manufacturers, cocoa buyers and development partners on the need for fair pricing systems and stronger financial commitments to cocoa-producing nations.

He expressed hope that the gathering would move beyond dialogue to concrete actions that improve the welfare of cocoa farmers.

The COCOBOD CEO also announced that the event will form part of activities marking the institution’s 80th anniversary next year, describing it as a significant moment to reflect on its contribution to Ghana’s economy.

For his part, the WCF Country Director for Ghana and Nigeria, Dr Mawuli Coffie, stressed the need to prioritise farmer welfare to secure the future of the cocoa industry.

“We must recognise a simple reality: resilient cocoa supply chains begin with resilient farmers,” he said.

Dr Coffie warned that without decent and predictable incomes, improved productivity and access to finance, many farmers risk abandoning cocoa farming altogether.

He also raised concerns over the continued spread of the swollen shoot viral disease, which remains a major threat to cocoa production and farmer livelihoods in Ghana and other producing countries.

The 2027 meeting, themed “From Origin to Resilience”, is expected to bring together governments, cocoa traders, chocolate manufacturers, development partners and sustainability advocates to discuss the future of the global cocoa industry.

Authorities say hosting the event will strengthen Ghana’s influence in global cocoa policy discussions while showcasing efforts to improve sustainability, farmer welfare and value addition within the sector.