President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to boost local cocoa processing and expand rural employment as part of his government’s economic transformation drive.

Speaking at a gathering during the 2026 May Day celebration at Jackson Park on May 1, the president said the Resetting Ghana Agenda is focused on adding value to the country’s agricultural resources rather than exporting them in raw form.

“For farmers in the Eastern Region, our Resetting Ghana Agenda means shifting from exporting raw cocoa beans to processing them locally.

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“Next year, we intend to achieve 50% local processing of Ghanaian cocoa beans,” he stated.

According to him, the policy is targeted at strengthening agro-industrialisation while creating jobs, particularly for young people in rural communities.

He noted that government support for local agro-processing hubs will play a key role in generating sustainable livelihoods.

President Mahama also touched on recent efforts to support farmers directly, including the launch of a farmer service centre designed to improve productivity.

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“I launched a farmer’s service centre in Afram Plains recently to help farmers expand cultivation, increase yields, and improve incomes,” he said.

Beyond economic growth, President John Dramani Mahama stressed the importance of investing in human capital, particularly health, as a foundation for sustainable development.

“As we pivot to growth, we must protect the human capital that drives it. A Reset Ghana means a healthy Ghana,” he added.

VPO/AE

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