The Managing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), Dr Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, has visited the West Africa Mills Company (WAMCO) to assess the readiness of cocoa processing firms ahead of the government’s directive to process at least 50 per cent of cocoa locally.

The visit forms part of efforts to align industry players with the reform, which also incorporates CMC’s Project Elevate, an initiative aimed at converting raw cocoa into semi-finished products for export.

The policy, announced by President John Dramani Mahama, is intended to strengthen the cocoa value chain, boost local employment, and drive economic growth by increasing in-country processing through firms such as CPC, WAMCO and other private processors.

During the visit, Dr Dogbey assessed WAMCO’s processing capacity, infrastructure and operational readiness to meet the new requirements. He stressed the importance of preparing facilities to handle increased volumes and higher quality standards.

“It is crucial that we prepare our processing facilities to handle the increased capacity and quality standards that will come with this reform,” he said.

The engagement also included discussions with WAMCO executives on production targets, pricing, demand, technology investments and quality certifications needed to support the transition.

WAMCO, a key player in the cocoa processing industry, reaffirmed its commitment to scaling up production in line with the government’s vision. Management highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade certifications and improve operational efficiency to meet growing demand for semi-finished cocoa products.

Dr Dogbey underscored the need for collective action across the cocoa value chain to ensure the successful implementation of the reform.

“This is not just a government initiative; it is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all stakeholders,” he added.

The visit marks a significant step in CMC’s broader strategy to drive cocoa value addition and expand export opportunities. By strengthening partnerships with processors and aligning with national policy, CMC aims to enhance the sector’s contribution to Ghana’s economy.

As the industry prepares for the transition, the commitment of both government and key stakeholders signals a positive outlook for Ghana’s cocoa processing sector and its competitiveness in global markets.