Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has called upon private investors to enter Ghana’s cocoa processing subsector, emphasizing its potential to enhance the value of cocoa beyond raw beans.
At the inaugural Cocoa Festival in Akuapem-Mampong on July 27, 2024, Aidoo underscored the economic benefits of such investments, including job creation for youth and increased export revenue from processed cocoa.
He assured potential investors of COCOBOD’s commitment to supporting and collaborating with them to ensure the success of cocoa processing businesses in Ghana.
The Cocoa Festival, which celebrates the cultural and economic significance of cocoa to the Akuapem-Mampong area, also highlighted the contributions of Tetteh Quarshie and Mampong to Ghana’s cocoa sector history.
Osabarima Kwame Otu Dartey III, Akuapem-Mamponghene, stressed the festival’s importance to the community and called for government and COCOBOD investment in local development projects to enhance infrastructure and social amenities.
Representing Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III, Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V, Akuapem Nifahene & Chief of Adukrom, emphasized the necessity of establishing a cocoa processing factory in Akuapem-Mampong to create jobs and stimulate the local economy.
He also proposed creating a Cocoa Festival Fund to ensure the event’s sustainability and support development initiatives in Ghana.
