CPC backs directive to process 50% of Ghana’s cocoa locally

The Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) has welcomed Cabinet’s decision directing that at least 50 percent of Ghana’s cocoa beans be processed locally, describing it as a major step toward strengthening value addition and job creation in the cocoa sector.

Mr. Osei Kwame Griffiths, Deputy Managing Director (Operations), speaking on behalf of CPC’s Managing Director, said the directive represents “a bold and timely step” toward deepening local participation across the cocoa value chain.

Addressing the media during activities marking National Chocolate Day 2026, he noted that the move aligns with government’s renewed push to process raw materials domestically rather than exporting them in their unprocessed state.

“We at CPC are very excited to receive this news. It reflects the hard work of our board and management, as well as the strong political commitment from government to move in this very important direction,” he said.

Mr. Griffiths explained that local processing into semi-finished products such as cocoa liquor, butter and cake as well as finished confectionery would generate employment at multiple stages, including transportation, grinding, packaging and marketing.

He added that value addition within the country would help retain income, boost industrial growth and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in the global cocoa market.

According to him, Ghanaian cocoa remains highly sought after internationally due to its superior fermentation and drying processes, although local processors have historically faced constraints related to processing capacity and access to beans.

He therefore welcomed government assurances that adequate bean supply would be maintained to support domestic processing, describing the development as a major boost for the industry.

On confectionery production, Mr. Griffiths disclosed that CPC currently produces between 700 and 1,000 cartons of chocolate daily mainly 100 gram barsand plans to more than double output through the installation of new machinery and refurbishment of existing equipment.

Expanding local processing, he noted, would not only increase foreign exchange earnings but also strengthen Ghana’s position in the global cocoa value chain.

The directive, recently announced by Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to take effect from the 2026/2027 crop season and forms part of broader efforts to industrialise the cocoa sector and promote sustainable economic growth.