Ghana, EU deepen partnership on sustainable cocoa production

Ghana and the European Union have reaffirmed their commitment to fostering sustainable cocoa production, a critical sector for the West African nation's economy. This renewed partnership was highlighted during a high-level technical event in Accra focused on the upcoming EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

The EUDR, set to take effect on December 30, 2026, mandates that all products entering the European market must be free from deforestation, fully traceable, and legally sourced. For Ghana, where cocoa constitutes approximately 95% of the export value for commodities covered by the regulation, compliance is paramount to ensuring continued access to the lucrative EU market.

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Deforestation is not just a local challenge but a global crisis that threatens livelihoods, climate and the future of Ghana’s cocoa sector.

EU Ambassador to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, emphasized that deforestation is a global crisis threatening livelihoods and the climate, and expressed the EU's dedication to collaborating with Ghana on building a transparent and sustainable cocoa supply chain. He commended Ghana's progress, particularly the development of the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System, designed to enhance transparency throughout the value chain.

Officials from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Forestry Commission of Ghana have reiterated the country's commitment to meeting the EUDR's stringent requirements. COCOBOD's Deputy Director, Eric Amengor, outlined recent interventions, including farmer mapping, stakeholder sensitization, and data validation, all aimed at ensuring readiness. The Forestry Commission's Deputy Chief Executive, Elikem Kotoko, stressed the importance of accurate data, highlighting the recent unveiling of a 2020 forest cover map to aid in deforestation risk assessments and due diligence processes.

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Ghana’s cocoa sector is not only an economic commodity but a strategic national asset that supports millions of livelihoods.