The Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association has been established as a significant step towards empowering smallholder cocoa farmers in Ghana.

This new body, comprising 75 cooperative unions from across the country, seeks to amplify the voices of cocoa farmers in decision-making processes within the cocoa sector.

The association, the first of its kind in Ghana, was formed through the RECLAIM Sustainability! programme, implemented by Solidaridad and TrustAfrica.

In a statement, the group explained that prior to its formation, cocoa farmers operated independently and in isolation, limiting their collective voice and representation of the individual needs and interests of Ghana’s cocoa farming community.

The Programme Manager for RECLAIM Sustainability, Seth Kankam Nuamah, at Solidaridad West Africa, believes this formation will help address the needs of farmers and foster a sense of belonging for each individual farmer.

"The formation of this apex body marks the beginning of a new era for cooperatives in the cocoa sector. It is a significant step towards building an inclusive and sustainable cocoa value chain where farmers’ interests, voices, and rights are represented and heard in decision-making at all levels," he remarked.

Since 2022, Solidaridad, in partnership with the World Cocoa Farmers Organisation (WCFO) and Agriterra, has been equipping smallholder cocoa farmers and farmer groups in Ghana with the knowledge, resources, and skills to advocate for their rights and actively participate in decision-making processes within the cocoa value chain, under the RECLAIM Sustainability! programme.

The association was established following extensive training workshops, stakeholder engagements on leadership and governance, as well as consultations at various levels.

In alignment with its Gender and Social Inclusion (GESI) policy, the association’s first executive board was elected, with six women among the 13 taking leadership roles.

Newly-elected second vice president, Comfort Kwaasibea, pledged her commitment to advocating for women’s representation and empowering them to take active roles in leadership.

"For too long, women have been disadvantaged in our cooperatives. The training from Solidaridad and the gender-affirmative action they championed has given women like me the courage and opportunity to step forward," she expressed.

The association's president Issifu Issaka , highlighted its role in advocating for the welfare of cocoa farmers, addressing challenges, and improving livelihoods.

"The association has already begun engaging with key stakeholders, including the World Cocoa Foundation, the Côte d'Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative, and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ghana, to foster strategic partnerships and drive transformative change in the cocoa sector," he stated.

The RECLAIM Sustainability programme, funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to promote inclusive and sustainable trade and value chains, ensuring that the voices of farmers are heard and their rights are respected.

The establishment of the Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association marks a pivotal step towards achieving this goal.