Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson has called for deeper and more strategic cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to safeguard the cocoa industry and improve livelihoods of farmers across both countries.
Speaking as Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) at the 7th Ordinary Meeting in Abidjan, Dr. Forson said sustained dialogue between the two leading cocoa-producing nations is essential to addressing long-term challenges in the sector.
Recalling a virtual meeting held on May 4, 2026, he said both countries had already committed to strengthening collaboration and reconvening in person to advance their shared agenda.
He stressed that while not all challenges could be resolved immediately, the collective responsibility of improving outcomes for farmers and securing the future of the cocoa industry must remain the central focus of the partnership.
“As the world’s two leading cocoa-producing countries, we must engage more consistently and strategically to protect our economies,” he said, adding that closer cooperation would help both nations anticipate risks, reduce shocks and shape the future of the industry.
Dr. Forson urged participants to engage constructively and identify practical solutions that would strengthen the cocoa value chain and ensure sustainable benefits for farmers in both countries.
He emphasized that the cocoa sector must be transformed into a more resilient, prosperous and profitable industry, capable of supporting economic stability and future generations.
The meeting forms part of ongoing efforts by Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to coordinate policies and strengthen their influence in the global cocoa market.
