Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana meet to review cocoa crop and prepare for the next season

Under the Auspices of the Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) 

The Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) on Friday 2nd August 2024, facilitated a joint meeting between the cocoa regulatory bodies of its two member countries, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, le Conseil du Café-Cacao (CCC) and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) respectively. 

This important meeting was the second in a series of exchanges being held to address critical aspects of the cocoa sector in the two countries, the initial meeting having been held in May. Such strategic meetings are an essential part of the cooperation between the two countries, the world’s largest producers of cocoa. The meetings have focused on reviewing the current crop, tackling recent challenges and opportunities, and preparations for the upcoming cocoa season.

Review of the Crop and Recent Challenges and Opportunities

The meetings provided a comprehensive review of the current cocoa crop, highlighting both the successes and the difficulties encountered over the past year. Participants from both countries shared insights into production issues and market dynamics. They also discussed various challenges, such as climate change impacts, pest and disease management, impact of smuggling and global market dynamics. Opportunities to strengthen joint research and efforts to address CSSVD (Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease), which has had widespread impact on this year’s crop, were critically considered. 

Preparations for the Next Season

The CIGCI members have emphasized coordinated planning and action on farmer pricing, collaborative approaches to research and crop improvements, and have strengthened engagements between their respective trading rooms. In preparation for the new cocoa season, both countries reiterated the importance of close monitoring of the market situation, continued collaboration in addressing challenges faced, and commitment to ensuring that farmer efforts continue to be rewarded. 

The joint strategic meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana in the cocoa sector. By working together, both countries continue to strengthen their positions in the global market, enhance the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, and ensure the sustainability and ethical integrity of their cocoa production. Further meetings are being planned focused on specific topics agreed between the members.