The Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has reiterated his appeal to the European Union (EU) to reconsider the pricing element of cocoa in its legislation. He argues that the current legislation is inadequate to sustain the industry and improve the income of cocoa farmers.
Mr. Aidoo expressed this opinion during a meeting with a four-member delegation from the EU, to discuss various topics, including sustainability, traceability, and child labor in the cocoa sector.
The EU is the world’s largest importer of cocoa, accounting for 60% of global imports. Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Cameroon are major cocoa suppliers to the EU market, with Ghana producing the best premium quality cocoa.
The COCOBOD chief mentioned that, Ghana has worked to provide a common ground for sustainability. “Although deforestation is a huge challenge, we must consider that cocoa is the only crop which has preserved Ghana’s forest and supported global effort”, he emphasized.
He emphasised that Ghana has established a common ground for sustainability. “Although deforestation is a huge challenge, we must consider that cocoa is the only crop which has preserved Ghana’s forest and supported global effort.”
Regarding pricing, Mr. Aidoo explained that the Living Income Differential (LID) policy was established to alleviate poverty among cocoa farmers in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. He emphasized the importance of giving particular attention to the cocoa farmer who is at the heart of all discussions. Furthermore, the Chief Executive highlighted that the Cocoa Management System (CMS) has been introduced to guarantee cocoa traceability and sustainability.
Mr. Aidoo emphasized that, despite all the efforts made, the EU must also fulfill its part of the agreement by paying fair prices for cocoa. He expressed gratitude to the EU for their various forms of support and Sustainable Cocoa Initiative, which aims to improve cocoa production and trade sustainability.
The head of Cooperation for the EU delegation to Ghana, Massimo Nina, who led the delegation, stated that the EU is committed to strengthening its relationship with COCOBOD in promoting traceability and sustainability. He acknowledged the concerns raised and recognized that the current pricing framework falls short of providing cocoa farmers with a living wage in the two leading producing countries.
He emphasized that the European Union must take action to ensure that cocoa farmers’ income and livelihoods correspond to their contributions in cocoa production. He applauded Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire for their efforts in implementing the LID to mitigate the challenges faced by cocoa farmers.
Mr Massimo Nina further added that the Union would work closely with collaborators to ensure equitable pricing for cocoa farmers. “I must say your processes towards ensuring sustainability, traceability and elimination of child labour within the sector are on a good track”, he added.
Over the years, the EU has pledged to undertake specific actions within a defined timeline to enhance the sustainability of the cocoa supply chain in West Africa, eradicate deforestation and child labor, as well as boost the income of farmers to ensure a decent standard of living.
Source: Myjoyonline
