Ghana’s cocoa production is set to take a significant hit in the upcoming crop season, with some experts predicting a 27.9% decrease in output compared to the previous year. Factors such as illegal gold mining, adverse weather conditions, smuggling activities, and the prevalence of swollen shoot disease are all contributing to this decline.
In the 2021/2022 season, Ghana produced around 750,000 metric tons of cocoa beans. However, this number has been steadily decreasing over the past three years, with the upcoming season expected to see a further drop.
A recent report from Reuters indicates that Ghana’s cocoa output for the 2023/24 season is projected to be almost 40% lower than the target of 820,000 metric tons. This decrease in production could have implications for the country’s trade surplus, as cocoa is a major source of traditional export earnings.
Despite the challenges facing the cocoa industry, some stakeholders remain optimistic about Ghana’s potential for production recovery. However, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has not provided any public comments on the matter.
The regulator recently disclosed that the cocoa swollen shoot virus has affected approximately 500,000 hectares of cocoa farmlands, further complicating the situation. It is clear that urgent measures need to be implemented by COCOBOD and other stakeholders to address the declining cocoa production and mitigate the impact on the country’s economy.
