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The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and its partners have launched a platform to promote inclusive dialogue, align sustainability efforts, and bring greater coherence and transparency to collective interventions by actors in the sector.
Known as the Ghana Cocoa Monitor, it is an initiative of the European Union (EU) and COCOBOD, with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) serving as the implementing agent.
The EU Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaaly, who launched the platform in Accra last Monday, said the facility marked a turning point and a shift from working in silos to building partnerships, “from isolated impact to collective progress, from fragmented efforts to structured collaboration”.
Mr Razaaly further said that the monitor would serve as a unified platform for public institutions such as relevant COCOBOD divisions, the Cote d’Ivoire Ghana Cocoa Initiative, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, the Forestry Commission, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Ministry of Education.
It would also offer a platform for private companies – from input dealers to licensed buying companies, off-takers, processors, chocolate makers, certification bodies and haulers.
He said it would improve the cocoa value chain in Ghana, pool and share resources efficiently, and address systemic challenges managed by thematic working groups.
Mr Razaaly added that it would also help reduce duplication, increase efficiency and most importantly, place farmers and sustainability at the centre of the sector.
“We commend COCOBOD for its leadership in bringing this platform to life. We also thank our partners at the FAO for their exemplary groundwork.
This merits recognition and a round of applause. I want to acknowledge the success of the validation workshop held on June 19 2025, where the platform's structure was confirmed and key thematic areas were identified,” he said.
Mr Razaaly also thanked the various actors for their engagement and thoughtful contributions.
The EU remains committed to supporting Ghana's cocoa sector through various initiatives, including enhancing its traceability, developing national and regional standards (ARS 1000), and also capitalising on opportunities presented by EU legislation such as the EU Deforestation Regulation and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive,” he said.
The Head of Research and Development, Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr Isaac Manu, described the platform as a novelty.
He said stakeholders in the sector were aware of the numerous challenges facing the industry in the country, such as child labour, deforestation, low income and climate change, which remains key to the sustainability of the cocoa sector.
These are issues that cannot be solved by the cocoa board alone. It requires our collective effort," Dr Manu said.
The FAO Representative, Priya Gujadhur, said the organisation was pleased to support the design and launch of the platform to ensure it captures the voices of all stakeholders in accordance with international best practices.
“But more importantly, we are proud that it is locally owned and supported by a strong network of partners committed to Ghana's cocoa future,” she said.
