Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming Ghana’s cocoa sector by increasing local processing and retaining more value from the country’s cocoa production.
Mr. Debrah made the remarks when he joined the Ambassador of Japan to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, officials of Meiji, representatives of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), cocoa farmers and other stakeholders to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Meiji Milk Chocolate.
According to the Chief of Staff, the government’s ambition is to process at least 50 per cent of Ghana’s cocoa locally, as part of efforts to create jobs, increase value addition and ensure that more of the economic benefits from cocoa remain in the country.
He said the cocoa-sector reforms being pursued by the government of President John Dramani Mahama were focused on protecting farmer incomes, improving productivity and expanding domestic processing capacity.
Mr. Debrah also highlighted the contribution of Meiji’s cocoa-support initiatives to Ghana’s cocoa-growing communities, noting that the company’s Cocoa Support programme, which began in 2006, had supported efforts in improved farming practices, agroforestry, education, traceability, as well as initiatives to combat child labour and deforestation.
He said the celebration of Meiji’s centenary was therefore not only about chocolate but also about recognising the contribution of cocoa farmers whose efforts sustain the entire value chain.
The Chief of Staff expressed particular interest in Meiji’s research into cocoa-derived bioplastics, describing the initiative as an opportunity to transform cocoa pod waste into products such as biochar, fibre and bio-based or biodegradable plastics.
He said such innovations could create new economic opportunities for Ghana while contributing to the development of a cleaner and more circular economy.
Mr. Debrah called for deeper collaboration between Ghana and Japan to move the technology from research and ideas into practical applications.
“The next step is to turn these ideas and partnerships into technology transfer, local manufacturing, research, training and viable production in Ghana,” he said.
He emphasised that stronger partnerships, innovation and effective implementation would be critical to unlocking additional value from Ghana’s cocoa sector.
“The cocoa pod has already given the world chocolate. With partnership, innovation and disciplined execution, it can give our people much more,” Mr. Debrah said.
He congratulated Meiji on reaching its 100th anniversary and expressed hope that the longstanding friendship and cooperation between Ghana and Japan would continue to deepen.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
