Ghana Targets 50 Percent Local Cocoa Processing to Cut Imports

The Government of Ghana is implementing a strategy to increase value-added exports and reduce its economic dependence on raw commodity sales and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). While AGOA provides preferential market access to the United States through 2028, officials are pushing for the local processing of gold, pineapple, shea butter, and cocoa to build a more resilient economy.

Trade, Agribusiness and Industry Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare announced a specific target to process at least 50 percent of cocoa production domestically. This goal follows a sharp decline in global cocoa prices, which fell from approximately US$10,000 per tonne in early 2025 to US$4,000 by early 2026. To achieve this, the government aims for a cocoa grinding capacity exceeding 500,000 metric tonnes and plans to expand similar processing to cashew, cassava, and oil palm.

To support these industrial goals, the Ministry and the Djibouti Ports & Free Zones Authority are developing an industrial park at Afienya in Tema. Ambassador Victor Emmanuel Smith noted that developing local refining and processing industries will create youth employment and protect government revenue should preferential trade status eventually end. The government is currently seeking strategic partnerships with investors and the Ghanaian diaspora to fund these developments, particularly in gold refining.