The Managing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), Dr. Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, has made a strong case for innovation and sustainability as the key pillars for transforming Ghana’s food and cocoa sectors.
Speaking at a forum organized by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Food Research Institute in Accra, Dr. Dogbey highlighted the urgent need for the country to rethink how it produces and processes food, especially cocoa, to ensure long-term resilience, value addition, and economic growth.
“Cocoa is not just a commodity; it is a vital part of our culture, our economy, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers and families across Ghana,” he said. “However, the industry is not without challenges—climate change, market volatility, and the urgent demand for sustainable practices are real concerns.”
He stressed that innovation must be central to addressing these issues. According to him, CMC is actively integrating innovative practices into its operations and is working closely with stakeholders, including COCOBOD, to promote the use of technology and research to improve cocoa quality and sustainability.
“Sustainability is at the heart of our mission. We are working to ensure that cocoa production prioritizes the well-being of our farmers, protects the environment, and supports the communities we serve,” he added.
Dr. Dogbey also underscored the importance of value addition, lamenting Ghana’s continued reliance on exporting raw food commodities like cocoa, only to import finished products at a higher cost.
“This paradox highlights the urgency of developing local processing capacities. By adding value to our raw materials, we can retain more economic benefits within the country while ensuring healthier, affordable food options for our people,” he noted.
He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, NGOs, and research institutions such as CSIR. Dr. Dogbey believes that a unified approach will be key to building a resilient food system that delivers inclusive and sustainable growth.
“As we celebrate innovation in healthy food production, we must also commit to a shared vision for a better future—one that uplifts our farmers, strengthens our economy, and protects our environment,” he concluded.
