Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang is urging a major scale-up in local cocoa processing, describing it as a strategic route to grow national revenue, create jobs, and strengthen Ghana’s share in regional and global markets.
She made the remarks during a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), led by Managing Director Professor William Coffie. The discussions centred on deepening Ghana’s value-addition drive and expanding the visibility of Ghanaian cocoa products at home and abroad.
“Processing our cocoa locally is not just an economic priority; it is central to Ghana’s industrial growth and economic sovereignty,” the Vice President stressed. “By adding value here at home, we ensure that Ghanaian cocoa products compete strongly in both African and international markets.”
CPC highlighted a series of recent gains, including a 100% rise in its share price over the last three months — a signal of growing investor confidence. According to Professor Coffie, the surge reflects global recognition of Ghana’s cocoa potential and CPC’s commitment to higher standards.
The Vice President further urged CPC to strengthen domestic distribution, especially by reaching senior high schools — a market she described as largely untapped but capable of boosting local consumption, improving youth nutrition, and cultivating long-term loyalty to Ghana-made products.
On continental expansion, Professor Opoku-Agyemang drew attention to the vast opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She noted that CPC is well positioned to market Ghanaian cocoa products across Africa, with AfCFTA offering a wider customer base, improved competitiveness, and a platform to showcase premium cocoa goods.
Closing the meeting, the Vice President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting strategic institutions like CPC. She emphasised that Ghana’s goal is to transition from exporting raw cocoa beans to exporting proudly Ghanaian, high-value cocoa products — an agenda she said CPC is already championing with full government