Smallholder cocoa farmers in Ghana have taken a significant step toward securing their place in the decision-making processes of the cocoa sector with the launch of the Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association Limited (GCCFA). This newly formed association, comprising 75 cooperative unions from nine cocoa-growing regions, aims to ensure that the interests of cocoa farmers are effectively represented.
Prior to the creation of the GCCFA, cocoa farmers’ cooperative unions operated independently, often leading to fragmented engagement with policymakers. This disjointed structure limited their influence in shaping policies that directly impact their livelihoods. Without a unified voice, feedback to stakeholders often reflected individual perspectives rather than the collective needs of the broader cocoa farming community.
The formation of the GCCFA in November 2024 follows a series of extensive training sessions on leadership and governance, supported by Solidaridad under its RECLAIM Sustainability Programme. Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the program seeks to empower farmers and workers to participate in policy-making, advocate for fair value distribution across supply chains, and improve working conditions.
During the official launch, the President of GCCFA, Mr. Issifu Issaka, emphasized the crucial role of cocoa farmers in the production process while highlighting their minimal influence in decision-making. He also raised concerns about the adverse effects of climate change on cocoa production, urging the government to invest in irrigation infrastructure to enhance yields.
Mr. Issaka further expressed worry over the growing threat of illegal mining, which has severely impacted water quality for cocoa farming. He called on the government to take urgent measures to protect natural water sources and to increase the producer price of cocoa to improve farmers’ incomes.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board in charge of Quality Control, Dr. Francis Baah, commended the formation of the GCCFA. He noted that having a unified body would streamline engagements between farmers and industry stakeholders, making discussions more effective and productive. Dr. Baah also revealed plans to extend irrigation facilities to cocoa farms as part of long-term strategies to address productivity challenges.
Meanwhile, Solidaridad West Africa’s Country Representative, Mr. Eric Agyare, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to supporting cocoa farmers. He emphasized the importance of sustainable production and outlined efforts to facilitate access to agricultural inputs and services that would enhance productivity.
“We bring best practices to farmers to support their businesses, and beyond that, we create arrangements that enable them to access necessary inputs and services,” Mr. Agyare stated.
The establishment of the GCCFA marks a crucial milestone in Ghana’s cocoa sector, providing smallholder farmers with a stronger voice in governance and policy discussions. With enhanced capacity and collective action, the association is expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of cocoa farming in Ghana.