Ghana targets 100% locally processed cocoa by 2030
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Starr FM
Ghana aims to process 100% of its cocoa locally by 2030, after an interim target of 50% in 2028, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson announced. The plan will expand local production to cocoa derivatives and prepare for an end to raw bean exports, according to Starr FM.
Ghana plans to expand local cocoa processing beyond primary grinding to produce butter, powder, chocolate and cosmetics, among other products. Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson presented this policy on Thursday 12 November 2026 before Parliament during the presentation of the 2027 budget, according to Starr FM.
The government aims to process at least 50% of cocoa production locally in 2028, before reaching 100% in 2030. The scheme is intended to increase the share of value retained in the country and encourage Ghanaian companies, researchers, brands and skilled workers to participate across the cocoa value chain, according to Starr FM.
The measure is part of the $3 billion allocation for commercial agriculture under the government’s New Economy programme, which also seeks to strengthen domestic production, agro-industry, import substitution and employment. The programme covers eight integrated value chains, including rice, sugar, poultry, maize, soybeans for animal feed, aquaculture, palm oil and vegetables, according to Starr FM.
The presentation came on the same day as the announcement of an end to raw cocoa exports in 2030, already published in the announcement on raw cocoa exports.
