A Collective Voice for Cocoa: How Ghanaian Farmers Are Shaping Their Own Future

On March 13th, 2025, Ghana marked a pivotal moment in its rich cocoa industry with the official launch of the Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association Ltd (GCCFMAL). This landmark event, celebrated with enthusiasm and hope, brought together representatives from 75 cooperative unions hailing from nine diverse cocoa-growing regions across the nation. The GCCFMAL aims to empower cocoa farmers by providing them with the tools to enhance their livelihoods, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and amplify their collective voice within the global cocoa trade. Vice Versa Media Ghana is proud to have partnered in this significant undertaking, capturing the spirit of unity and progress that signifies a new chapter for Ghana’s cocoa farmers.

President of Issifu Issaka Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers & Marketing Association Ltd

A Call for Representation

The seeds of GCCFMAL were planted long before its official launch. For years, Ghanaian cocoa farmers voiced concerns about their lack of representation in the country’s cocoa governance structures. Ghanaian cocoa farmers have long sought a stronger voice in the governance of the cocoa industry. While COCOBOD has played a central role in overseeing the industry, farmers recognized the need for direct representation to ensure their concerns and contributions were fully acknowledged in decision-making processes.

Speaking at the launch, GCCFMAL President Issifu Issaka recalled how these frustrations fueled the formation of the cooperative. “For too long, the decisions affecting our livelihoods have been made without us. We realized that if those appointed to the board do not represent our interests, then we must come together and select our own representatives to push for policies that work for farmers.” he said.

One of the key concerns has been the lack of transparency in how cocoa prices are determined. Farmers have long felt sidelined in the pricing process, which directly affects their earnings.

“We are also pushing harder to ensure that we have a voice on the Cocoa Price Review Committee. The price of cocoa in Ghana must reflect the realities of farmers, not just global market fluctuations.”  Issaka added.

Farmers Union representatives at the Launch of the event  receiving a certification of registration 

The Role of Solidaridad and Other Partners

Though the idea of a unified cooperative began circulating as early as 2014, real progress was made in 2022 when the farmers found a strong ally in Solidaridad, an international civil society organization dedicated to sustainable food supply chains. Through its Reclaim Sustainability program, Solidaridad convened multiple unions to discuss pressing issues such as cocoa sustainability, land tenure security, and climate resilience.

“The conversations we facilitated opened the door for farmers to see the power of working together. The Cooperative is not just about advocacy, it’s about creating a resilient cocoa sector where farmers thrive, not just survive.” said Eric Agyare, Solidaridad’s Country Representative in Ghana

By 2024, the movement had gained enough traction to bring together 75 cooperative unions under one national association, setting the stage for the March 2025 launch.

Dignitaries at the event’s launch. 

The Grand Launch

The event, which took place in the vibrant city of Kumasi, drew together a diverse assembly of key players in Ghana’s cocoa sector, including prominent government officials, representatives from financial institutions, and international development partners eager to contribute to the industry’s growth.

One of the most impactful speeches came from Kwame Asa Adadey, the Divisional Head at Zenith Bank Ghana Limited. With a deep understanding of the financial challenges that cocoa farmers encounter daily, he unveiled an innovative initiative designed to provide much-needed support and resources to these vital contributors of the economy. The atmosphere was filled with hope as stakeholders listened intently, recognizing the significance of this commitment to the future of cocoa farming in Ghana.

“We are working on offering farmers loans with interest rates as low as 7-8%, significantly lower than the market rates of 25-30%, to help them expand their businesses and sustain their operations.”

Another key speaker was Jemimah Afari Kwarteng, Country Program Lead for Agriterra. She spoke on the importance of innovation in cocoa farming.

“Change takes time, but with the right training and policies, we can ensure that farmers are equipped with modern agricultural techniques that increase yield and protect the environment,” she said making reference to how Agriterra is assisting farmers in adopting modern agricultural practices through sustainable services, farmer-led initiatives, and lobbying policies.

The traditional rulers present at the event also pledged their support, especially in addressing land tenure issues that often create barriers for young cocoa farmers. Eric Agyare, Country Representative for Solidaridad in Ghana, emphasized the importance of financial literacy for farmers, stating,

“Financial literacy is the soul of businesses. If you don’t understand finance, anytime you are doing business, you have a challenge. We at Solidaridad focus on enhancing farmers’ skills in agronomy, finance, and marketing, using models like village savings and loans associations to empower farmers.

The Challenges Ahead

Amid the optimism surrounding the launch, farmers did not hesitate to highlight the pressing challenges threatening their livelihoods. Climate change continues to disrupt cocoa production, with erratic weather patterns affecting yields. Another persistent concern is illegal mining, which has encroached on cocoa farmlands, polluting water sources and displacing farming communities.

“We cannot talk about cocoa sustainability without addressing galamsey (illegal mining). Many cocoa farmers can no longer rely on nearby streams and rivers for irrigation because they are polluted. Some are forced to buy water from the cities and transport it to their farms, which is extremely expensive. This is why we intend to advocate for stronger action from government agencies and traditional leaders to protect cocoa lands for future generations” Issaka stated.

Beyond environmental concerns, farmers also called for fairer pricing mechanisms. While international cocoa prices have surged past $8,000 per ton, Ghanaian farmers receive less than $3,000 per ton, a stark disparity that remains a major issue of contention.

Traditional Drummers at the event

A United Front for a Stronger Cocoa Industry

The launch of GCCFMAL marks a significant advancement for Ghana’s cocoa farmers. It empowers them to have a greater influence on policy-making, secure fair prices, and promote the industry’s sustainability. This collective initiative paves the way for future generations of cocoa farmers. Through unity and strategic partnerships, farmers are committed to redefining their role in the industry.