The Managing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), Dr Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, has underscored the urgent need for innovation and sustainability as essential pillars for transforming Ghana’s cocoa and broader food sectors.

Speaking at a forum organised by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Food Research Institute in Accra, Dr Dogbey called for a national rethink of how the country produces and processes its food, particularly cocoa, in order to build long-term resilience, drive value addition, and spur economic growth.

“Cocoa is not just a commodity; it is a vital part of our culture, our economy, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers and families across Ghana,” he said. “However, the industry is not without challenges—climate change, market volatility, and the urgent demand for sustainable practices are real concerns.”

He stressed that innovation must be at the centre of addressing these challenges. According to him, CMC is actively adopting innovative practices and working closely with stakeholders, including COCOBOD, to integrate technology and research that enhance cocoa quality and promote sustainable production.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our mission. We are working to ensure that cocoa production prioritises the well-being of our farmers, protects the environment, and supports the communities we serve,” Dr Dogbey added.

He also lamented Ghana’s continued export of raw food commodities, particularly cocoa, while importing finished products at significantly higher prices.

“This paradox highlights the urgency of developing local processing capacities. By adding value to our raw materials, we can retain more economic benefits within the country while ensuring healthier, affordable food options for our people,” he noted.

Dr Dogbey called for stronger collaboration across government agencies, private sector players, NGOs, and research institutions such as the CSIR. He emphasised that a united front is critical to building a resilient food system capable of delivering inclusive and sustainable growth.

“As we celebrate innovation in healthy food production, we must also commit to a shared vision for a better future—one that uplifts our farmers, strengthens our economy, and protects our environment,” he concluded.