Accra:The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has announced that the Ghanaian government is working towards ensuring that at least 50 percent of the country's cocoa production is processed locally. This initiative aims to boost export earnings and create jobs within the country.
According to Ghana Web, the plan is part of a broader effort to decrease Ghana's reliance on raw cocoa bean exports and to encourage the production of finished and semi-finished products. During the EU-Ghana Agribusiness Exhibition Forum and Trade Mission 2026, Ofosu-Adjare highlighted the risks associated with depending heavily on raw commodity exports, especially after a significant drop in global cocoa prices.
The Trade Minister emphasized that Ghana already possesses cocoa grinding facilities with a total installed capacity exceeding 500,000 metric tonnes. This infrastructure supports the government's strategy to enhance local cocoa processing. Ofosu-Adjare also pointed out that Ghana's non-traditional exports reached a record US$5 billion in 2025, with processed and semi-processed products making up a large portion of this figure.
She encouraged investors to support the local processing of other agricultural products such as cashew, cassava, maize, rice, fruits, vegetables, and oil palm, which would further expand job opportunities and increase export revenues. Ofosu-Adjare also called for European businesses to invest in processing factories, share technology, and establish partnerships with Ghanaian companies rather than merely purchasing raw materials.
Additionally, the Minister revealed that the government, in collaboration with the Ministry and the Free Zones Authority, has initiated the development of an industrial park at Afienya in Tema. This project is designed to attract investors interested in setting up manufacturing businesses. The EU-Ghana Agribusiness Exhibition Forum and Trade Mission 2026 aims to strengthen trade relations between Ghana and European countries while fostering opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and business partnerships.