On January 31, 2025, Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana will host a significant meeting to enhance their collaboration in the cocoa sector, a vital industry for both nations as the world's leading producers. The event will take place in Accra, where key stakeholders, including government officials and industry leaders, are expected to discuss the future of cocoa production and trade.
The meeting will feature presentations on the achievements of the Interprofessional Cocoa and Chocolate Organization (ICCIG), which has been operational since 2018. M. Assanvo, the Executive Secretary of ICCIG, will outline the progress made since the signing of the Abidjan Declaration, emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
Key participants include Ghana's Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku, who will address the economic impacts of the Decent Income Differential (DRD) mechanism, which ensures a minimum price for cocoa producers. The meeting aims to harmonize sales policies between the two countries and further develop strategies for sustainable cocoa production.
Attendees will also learn about ongoing technical projects, such as traceability systems to enhance market transparency and the development of the African Standard ARS 1000 for sustainable cocoa. The prevention of cross-border cocoa smuggling will also be a critical topic.
Ghana's President, John Dramani Mahama, has praised the ICCIG's efforts, noting that this collaboration is unprecedented in Africa. He has expressed his commitment to strengthening ties with Côte d'Ivoire and plans to make an official visit to the country in the near future.
This meeting is poised to significantly impact the cocoa industry, setting a precedent for cooperative models in agricultural sectors across the continent.