In a groundbreaking move for Africa’s cocoa industry, the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) is setting the stage for a more equitable and sustainable future for cocoa farmers.
A high-level meeting between Mr. Alex Arnaud Assanvo, Executive Secretary of CIGCI, and Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has sparked widespread support from stakeholders across the continent.
The Cocoa Farmers Association Alliance of Africa (COFAAA) has hailed the meeting as a pivotal moment in reshaping the global cocoa trade. Comrade Adeola Adegoke, President and Global Coordinator of COFAAA, emphasized that the collaboration goes beyond policy discussions and is focused on ensuring that cocoa farmers receive fair compensation and improved working conditions.
Central to the initiative is the effort to tackle global price fluctuations, empower smallholder farmers, and promote sustainability. With backing from major industry players like Conseil Café-Cacao and Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod), the partnership aims to increase Africa’s bargaining power, reducing reliance on middlemen who exploit local producers.
Nana Yaw Rueben, COFAAA’s Public Relations Officer, remarked, “This is not just about Ghana or Côte d’Ivoire—it’s about Africa reclaiming its position in the cocoa economy.” The initiative is focused on securing a future where cocoa farmers no longer struggle financially despite their critical role in producing one of the world’s most in-demand commodities.
As demand for ethically sourced cocoa grows, the success of this initiative may serve as a model for other African agricultural sectors. By prioritizing farmers’ welfare, implementing fair trade practices, and improving pricing transparency, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are leading a shift that could reshape Africa’s agricultural landscape, ensuring that farmers are the primary beneficiaries of the cocoa industry. With COFAAA’s full backing, the message is clear: united, Africa can transform the future of cocoa farming.
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