President John Dramani Mahama and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the cocoa sector following a high-level summit on the future of the cocoa economy held in Abidjan on Tuesday, June 16.
The meeting concluded with the signing of a joint declaration focused on improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, promoting sustainable production practices and expanding local cocoa processing in both countries. Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire together account for nearly 60 per cent of global cocoa production.
Among the key outcomes of the summit was a renewed commitment to strengthen the Living Income Differential (LID) and further align producer prices in both countries. The move is aimed at protecting farmers from volatility in international cocoa markets while ensuring they receive fair and sustainable incomes for their produce.
The two leaders also committed to intensifying efforts to tackle illegal mining, safeguard water bodies, and mitigate the growing impact of climate change on cocoa production in both countries.
They further agreed to strengthen research collaboration aimed at combating Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD) and other pests and diseases that continue to threaten cocoa farms and the livelihoods of farmers across the region.
President Mahama returned to Accra on Tuesday following the summit, which ended with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire reaffirming their commitment to deepening collaboration across the cocoa value chain and advancing the interests of farmers in both countries.
Below are some photos from the summit:
