Government to Acquire 200,000 Hectares for Cocoa Plantations to Boost Production — Finance Minister

Accra, Ghana - 17 May, 2025 - In a bid to revive Ghana's struggling cocoa industry, the government plans to acquire 200,000 hectares of land for large-scale cocoa plantations according to Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson.

The initiative, announced by the Finance Minister during the inauguration of a new 11-member Board of Directors for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) at the Ministry of Finance, aims to restore the country's annual cocoa production to one million metric tonnes.

The government will also focus on rehabilitating disease-ravaged farms, particularly in the Western Region, where swollen shoot disease has devastated cocoa trees. The move comes amid global concerns about supply shortages and price volatility, and authorities hope to restore Ghana's reputation as one of the world's leading cocoa producers.

The government plans to establish large-scale plantation farms to complement smallholder cocoa farming, boost national output, and create jobs.

Dr. Forson emphasized the need for decisive action to address the industry's decline, citing mismanagement as a major contributor.

“Cocoa has always been the mainstay of our economy, and that must not change,” he stated. “Unfortunately, massive mismanagement in recent years has led to a worrying downturn in both production and financial stability. It is time to act decisively.”

Source: Lead News Online