Cocoa Marketing Company Assesses Processors’ Readiness

In response to the government’s directive requiring at least 50% of cocoa to be processed locally, the Managing Director of Cocoa Marketing Company, Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, has visited West Africa Mills Company to evaluate the preparedness of processing firms for the upcoming reform.

The initiative aligns with CMC’s internal strategy, Project Elevate, which focuses on converting raw cocoa into semi-finished products for export.

This policy forms part of a wider reform agenda spearheaded by John Dramani Mahama, aimed at strengthening the cocoa value chain, boosting local processing, and driving job creation and economic growth. Key industry players, including Cocoa Processing Company, WAMCO, and other private processors, are expected to play a central role in achieving this goal.

During the visit, Dr. Dogbey assessed WAMCO’s infrastructure, operational capacity, and readiness to meet the increased demand and quality requirements expected under the new policy. He stressed the importance of preparing facilities to handle higher processing volumes and maintain global standards.

Engagements with WAMCO management also covered production targets, pricing strategies, market demand, technological investments, and certification upgrades needed to support the transition.

WAMCO reaffirmed its commitment to expanding capacity and improving operational efficiency, noting ongoing efforts to upgrade systems and certifications to meet anticipated demand for semi-processed cocoa products.

Dr. Dogbey highlighted the need for strong collaboration across the sector, emphasising that the success of the reform depends on collective action from all stakeholders within the cocoa value chain.

The visit represents a key step in CMC’s drive to enhance value addition and strengthen cocoa exports. By aligning with government policy and deepening partnerships with processors, the company aims to boost the sector’s overall contribution to Ghana’s economy.

With both government and industry leaders showing commitment, the reform signals a transformative phase for Ghana’s cocoa industry, positioning the country to capture greater value in the global market.