The Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) has welcomed Cabinet’s directive that at least half of Ghana’s cocoa beans be processed locally from the 2026/2027 crop season, describing the move as a critical step toward stabilising the industry and strengthening value addition.
The policy, recently announced by Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson following Cabinet approval, comes at a time when the cocoa sector is grappling with pricing volatility on the international market, production shortfalls linked to climate variability and disease, and ongoing pressure on forward contracts.
Despite occasional global price surges, analysts say the country’s continued dependence on exporting raw beans leaves farmers and the wider economy exposed to external shocks.
Industry observers have long argued that expanding domestic processing would help cushion these risks by retaining more value within the country and creating stronger local demand for cocoa beans.
Speaking on the sidelines of this year’s National Chocolate Day celebrations, CPC’s Deputy Managing Director for Operations, Osei Kwame Griffiths, said the directive aligns with longstanding calls within the sector to deepen local processing.
The remarks followed a factory tour where the company hosted students from selected basic schools to educate them on cocoa, processing and the health and economic benefits of chocolate.
CPC management says the company is preparing to scale up production capacity ahead of the new policy. Plans include installing new machinery and refurbishing existing equipment to handle increased volumes.
Commercial and Marketing Manager Nana Ansong also urged Ghanaians to support locally made chocolate, noting that products will be available in adequate supply for the Valentine’s Day period and beyond.
Analysts say stronger local processing, combined with increased domestic consumption, could improve demand for cocoa beans from processors and support more stable market dynamics within the country.
This year’s National Chocolate Day activities are being held in partnership with the Ghana Tourism Authority and the Ghana Cocoa Board.
For CPC, management says the Valentine’s Day-linked celebration is not only about sharing chocolate, but also about promoting local value addition and supporting the long-term sustainability of the cocoa sector.
Source: metrotvonline.com
