Ghana Cocoa Board is advocating stronger international cooperation and more equitable pricing systems within the cocoa sector as Ghana prepares to host the 2027 World Cocoa Foundation Partnership Meeting in Accra.
Speaking during the official launch of the event on Friday, May 22, 2026, COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer Randy Abbey described Ghana’s selection as host as a significant achievement for the country’s cocoa industry and an opportunity to shape international conversations on the future of cocoa production.
Dr. Abbey said it was both an honour and a privilege for Ghana to host the major global gathering in Accra, expressing confidence that the event would be impactful and memorable.
He pointed out that the last World Cocoa Foundation Partnership Meeting held in Africa took place in Côte d’Ivoire in 2016, adding that Ghana plans to use the 2027 edition to push for increased investment, greater sustainability, and fairer earnings for cocoa-producing nations.
According to him, the global cocoa industry is currently facing mounting pressure from climate change, crop diseases, and rising production costs, while unstable prices continue to threaten the livelihoods of farmers.
Dr. Abbey stressed that the cocoa sector has reached a critical moment, noting that although global demand for chocolate remains high, the system supporting cocoa production is under severe strain.
He also highlighted the continued impact of diseases such as swollen shoot virus, which has been destroying cocoa farms, lowering productivity, and threatening sustainability across producing countries.
The COCOBOD CEO disclosed that the partnership meeting, scheduled for March 16 to 18, 2027, in Accra, will create an opportunity for discussions with international chocolate companies, cocoa buyers, and development partners on fair pricing frameworks and increased financial support for cocoa-producing countries.
He expressed optimism that the conference would result in concrete measures that improve the living conditions of cocoa farmers rather than ending with only discussions.
Dr. Abbey further revealed that the event will form part of activities commemorating COCOBOD’s 80th anniversary next year, describing it as an important occasion to reflect on the institution’s contribution to Ghana’s economy.
Meanwhile, the World Cocoa Foundation’s Country Director for Ghana and Nigeria, Mawuli Coffie, underscored the importance of prioritising farmer welfare to safeguard the future of the cocoa industry.
He noted that resilient cocoa supply chains can only exist when farmers themselves are resilient and financially secure.
Dr. Coffie warned that without stable incomes, better productivity, and improved access to financing, many farmers could abandon cocoa cultivation altogether.
He also expressed concern about the spread of swollen shoot viral disease, describing it as a serious threat to cocoa production and farmer livelihoods in Ghana and other cocoa-producing nations.
The 2027 conference, themed “From Origin to Resilience,” is expected to bring together governments, cocoa traders, chocolate manufacturers, development partners, and sustainability advocates to deliberate on the future of the global cocoa industry.
Authorities believe hosting the event will enhance Ghana’s role in global cocoa policy discussions while highlighting efforts to improve sustainability, farmer welfare, and value addition within the sector.