Ghana-Ivory Coast in strategic pact to tackle falling cocoa prices

Ghana and Ivory Coast have teamed up in a strategic alliance to tackle falling prices of cocoa on the World Market.

This was revealed at the Ghana-Cote d’Ivoire Joint Commission in a statement read by the CEO of Cocobod Joseph Boahen Aidoo, MyNewsGh.com covered.

“The essence of this continuous dialogue cannot be overemphasized considering the huge fall (40%) we have experienced in the price of cocoa in the past year, thus breaking the backbones of the economies of our two countries.” He said.

“As producers of about 65% of the world’s cocoa, we (Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire) must take leadership role in ensuring fair farm gate price and sustainable cocoa industry.

“Our commitment in the past months has shown that we are up to the challenge and today’s meeting is another clear indication of our preparedness to make a difference.

“I know, there has been a previous attempt between the two countries in the past that aimed at the same cause as today but fizzled out along the line. We cannot afford to make this another series of talk-shop.” He told the Joint Commission.

He commended the Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire respectively for initiating the two-nation dialogue on their most important national crop, cocoa.

“Let me use this opportunity to commend our two Presidents, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana, and S.E. Alassane Dramane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire for initiating this bilateral engagement and for their strong commitment to the good of the cocoa industry”, he said at the plush Golden Tulip

The Head of Cote d’Ivoire’s Cocoa Authority Hon Ibrahim Yves, believe the two countries should collaborate effectively for the industry, he did not understand why different people could be setting standards for the two countries.

He pointed out there was the need to collaborate on production, pricing and processing. He further asked for improved consumption which he said the two countries must set examples

The meetings, which began last year, has had fruitful engagement in Accra and in Abidjan all aimed at reaching the set goals in the cocoa sector for the two respective countries.

They pledged to work together to realize the vision and to guarantee the welfare of cocoa farmer.

“The time to realize our vision is now. Let us enter our group discussions with the mindset of coming out with solutions to better the lots of our farmers; solutions that will guarantee them at least living incomes; and solutions that will give hope to the next generation of cocoa farmers.” Mr Boahen Aidoo ended on that note.