Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, has called for stronger cooperation between Ghana and Ivory Coast to safeguard the future of the cocoa industry and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
Speaking at the seventh Ordinary Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana Cocoa Initiative in Abidjan, Dr Forson said closer collaboration between the world’s two largest cocoa producing countries was essential to addressing challenges facing the sector.
In his opening remarks as chairman of the committee, he stressed that sustained dialogue and deeper cooperation should lead to practical solutions that benefit farmers, strengthen national economies and secure the future of the cocoa industry.
Dr Forson said the meeting followed a virtual engagement held on 4th May, during which both countries agreed to meet in person to reaffirm and strengthen their partnership.
While acknowledging that not every challenge could be resolved during the meeting, he said both countries must remain committed to achieving meaningful and lasting progress.
“As the world’s two leading cocoa producing countries, we must engage more consistently and strategically to protect our economies,” he said.
He added that stronger collaboration would enable both nations to better anticipate challenges, reduce the impact of market shocks and play a more active role in shaping the future of the global cocoa industry.
The Finance Minister urged participants to engage openly and constructively, with a focus on identifying practical measures that would deepen cooperation and advance the interests of cocoa farmers.
Dr Forson also emphasised the need to transform the cocoa sector into one that is more resilient, prosperous and profitable for farmers and producing countries.
He expressed confidence in the partnership between Ghana and Ivory Coast, describing the collaboration as both necessary and critical to the future of the industry.
The Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana Cocoa Initiative was established to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, which together account for a significant share of global cocoa production.
