The Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association (GCCFA), a coalition of 75 cooperative unions from nine cocoa-growing regions, has been officially launched in Kumasi.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to empower smallholder cocoa farmers by giving them a stronger voice in decision-making processes within the cocoa sector.

The GCCFA seeks to enhance cocoa farmers’ representation at all levels of governance and policy-making, ensuring their interests are prioritised. This milestone was achieved through the RECLAIM Sustainability programme, implemented by Solidaridad and TrustAfrica.

Solidaridad, in collaboration with Ghana’s Department of Cooperatives, the World Cocoa Farmers Organisation and Agriterra, played a pivotal role in facilitating the association’s establishment.

Prior to formation of the GCCFA, cocoa farmers’ cooperative unions operated independently and in isolation – limiting their collective influence. Engagement in decision-making processes within the cocoa value chain was often restricted to a few unions, leaving the broader community underrepresented.

The GCCFA now serves as an apex body, unifying these unions to amplify the voices of Ghana’s cocoa farmers and advocate for their shared interests.

Seth Kankam Nuamah, Programme Manager-RECLAIM Sustainability Programme at Solidaridad in West Africa, emphasised the significance of this development.

“This apex body’s  formation marks the beginning of a new era for cooperatives in the cocoa sector. It is a significant step toward building an inclusive and sustainable cocoa value chain where farmers’ interests, voices and rights are represented and heard at all levels,” he said in a press release.

During the launch event, Country Director-Solidaridad Eric Amoako Agyare highlighted the challenges facing Ghana’s cocoa industry, naming climate change, galamsey and smuggling as critical hurdles.

Despite Ghana’s pivotal role in the global cocoa market with over 50 years of production experience, many cocoa farmers continue to live in poverty.

“This unfortunate situation can be attributed to a variety of factors involving government, NGOs, cocoa farmers themselves and cooperatives,” he said.

Mr. Agyare called on executives of the GCCFA to lead with integrity and selflessness, urging them to work collaboratively to address these challenges. “This is a significant step forward and its launch today marks a milestone for the cocoa farming community. Together, we can create a brighter future for Ghana’s cocoa sector,” he added.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer-Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Francis Baah, speaking at the ceremony expressed government’s commitment to helping the cocoa sector grow, especially having the farms properly irrigated.