The declaration which is devoted to the cocoa economy seeks to pursue a common strategy and a sustainable solution for the improvement of prices for cocoa producers in both countries for economic growth.

The decision was arrived at on Tuesday at the end of a two-day meeting between the Ghana Cocoa Board and the Le Conseil du Café-Cacao in Accra to adopt strategies at executing the declaration.

The meeting adopted a comprehensive implementation plan and concretised details of specific actions for achieving the vision of the two heads of states, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and His Excellency, Mr Alassane Ouattara.

The two countries, among other things, agreed to constitute a joint committee for the promotion of cocoa consumption in both countries and across the West African sub-region.

They will also conduct a study to determine the floor prices of cocoa and work further towards the adoption of strategies for the implementation of ISO Sustainable and Traceable Cocoa Standard.

In the area of production and research, the two countries are to forge closer collaboration between the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) and the National Centre of Agronomic Research (CNRA) in Cote d’Ivoire towards the adoption of good practices for adaptation and mitigation of the adverse effects of climate change based on experiences recorded in both states.

They also decided on a national strategy for restoring and preserving cocoa landscapes while adopting a common approach to coordinate private sector initiatives in the sector.

“We agreed to continue the cutting of cocoa swollen shoot virus infected trees in our respective countries, collect data that link cocoa farmers to their farms and collaborate in the fight against worst forms of child labour.”

A draft charter and administrative rules to guide the governance and operations of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire co-operation were also adopted at the end of the meeting.