Ghana's Cocoa Production Set to Rebound in 2024-25 Season

Ghana's Cocoa Industry Forecasts Strong Recovery for 2024-25 Season

Ghana anticipates a significant rebound in its cocoa production for the 2024-25 season, targeting a rise to 700,000 metric tons from the previous season's low of 425,000 tons. This boost comes after a challenging year characterized by adverse weather and crop diseases, resulting in a substantial drop in production and a global cocoa deficit. The current deficit has driven cocoa prices to unprecedented levels, surpassing $11,000 per ton.

The impact on Ghana's economy has been profound, leading to a $575 million decline in export revenue and an almost 14% depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi against the dollar. In response, the Ghana Cocoa Board is providing farmers with free pesticides and fertilizers and is implementing new tracking systems to combat smuggling and adhere to EU deforestation regulations.

The upcoming Cocoa Management Systems will document every cocoa bean sold at the farm-gate, enhancing tracking to ensure compliance. Additionally, farmers will utilize special ID cards with farm coordinates to guarantee adherence to EU deforestation rules. These measures are aimed at stabilizing the cocoa market and improving Ghana's economic prospects as the new season approaches.

Key Takeaways

• Ghana aims for a cocoa production rebound of 700,000 metric tons in the 2024-25 season.
• The current cocoa deficit has resulted in a $575 million decline in export revenue.
• The Ghanaian cedi has depreciated by almost 14% due to the cocoa crisis.
• Farmers are receiving free pesticides, and new tracking systems are being implemented to combat smuggling.
• Special ID cards for farmers will facilitate compliance with EU deforestation regulations.

Analysis

Ghana's ambition to increase cocoa production to 700,000 metric tons seeks to address the severe economic downturn caused by the previous season's output of 425,000 tons, aggravated by adverse weather conditions and crop diseases. The resulting global cocoa deficit and the surge in prices to $11,000 per ton have led to a $575 million loss in export revenue and a 14% depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi. The initiatives undertaken by the Ghana Cocoa Board, including providing free pesticides, implementing new tracking systems, and introducing farmer ID cards, are crucial for stabilizing the market and ensuring compliance with EU deforestation regulations. These measures may strengthen Ghana's economy and restore stability to the cocoa sector, thereby mitigating potential future price volatility and currency depreciation risks.

Did You Know?

• Ghana Cocoa Board: The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is a government-controlled institution responsible for regulating Ghana's cocoa industry. It oversees the purchase, marketing, and export of cocoa, while implementing policies to support cocoa farmers and ensure the sustainability of cocoa production.
• EU Deforestation Regulations: These regulations, enacted by the European Union, aim to prevent the import of commodities that contribute to deforestation and forest degradation. For cocoa, this means ensuring that cocoa beans imported into the EU originate from farms that do not participate in deforestation practices. Compliance often involves traceability systems and certifications.
• Cocoa Management Systems: This comprehensive system, implemented by the Ghana Cocoa Board, manages and tracks the production, sale, and export of cocoa beans. It includes the use of special farmer ID cards with farm coordinates, ensuring that all cocoa beans meet international standards, particularly those related to deforestation.