The Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahen Aidoo has emphasized the importance of local expertise and sustainable practices in the implementation of the Ghana Tree Crop Diversification Project.

Mr. Aidoo urged the Project Implementation team to tap into home-grown knowledge and skills, stating, “Utilizing local expertise is crucial for the sustainability of our cocoa industry.”

Mr. Aidoo was speaking at a meeting at Cocoa House in Accra, where the Project Implementation team met with management of COCOBOD to update them on the progress of implementation and the upcoming launch event.

Scheduled to launch on November 7, this initiative aims to support the transformation of Ghana’s cocoa sector through productivity improvement and climate resilience, while also boosting the production of cashew, coconut, and rubber.

The COCOBOD Chief Executive also called for collaboration to tackle ongoing challenges, especially the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD), which is threatening cocoa production.

The Project Coordinator, Mr. Wahab Suleman presented the various components of the project, stressing the need to strengthen COCOBOD’s capacity to implement policies that promote sustainable development across the cocoa sector.

"In strengthening COCOBOD, the project will ensure that all stakeholders are well-equipped to contribute to the growth of the cocoa industry," he explained. He added that this includes transitioning COCOBOD to a paperless operational system and implementing targeted training programmes for staff.

Additionally, he said the project will support farmers by introducing innovative agricultural practices and rehabilitating farms affected by the virulent CSSVD. He said attention will be placed on improving post-harvest management, adding value to cocoa products, and enhancing market access.

Three cocoa districts, Essam and Adabokrom in the Western North Region, and Asamankese in the Eastern Region, selected for their potential impact, have been identified as beneficiaries of the project.

A significant highlight from the meeting was the announcement of the establishment of a new, fully equipped laboratory for the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG). This facility will enhance research capabilities, particularly in tackling issues like the CSSVD, which is a perennial threat to the cocoa sector.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from management to fully support the project’s implementation.

Meanwhile, the Tree Crop Diversification Project, an initiative of the government of Ghana and the World Bank, is set to be implemented over the next six years. With a total investment of $227.5 million, with 27.5 being a counterpart contribution of COCOBOD, the project which has COCOBOD and the Tree Crop Development Authority as joint implementing agents, is expected to mark a significant step forward for Ghana’s agricultural landscape, reducing the country’s over-reliance on cocoa.