COCOBOD signs deal with Brazil to strengthen bilateral collaboration in the cocoa sector
GHANA—COCOBOD has signed a declaration of intent to cooperate with Apexbrasil and the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
The signing occurred during a high-level meeting at Cocoa House in Accra, part of the Brazilian Presidential Mission to Africa.
The Brazilian delegation, led by Her Excellency Marirana Madeira, the Brazilian Ambassador to Ghana, officials from Apex Brasil, and the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, engaged COCOBOD’s Acting Chief Executive and his management team in discussions on enhancing technical and economic cooperation between the two nations.
The discussions focused on leveraging Brazilian technology to improve cocoa productivity, exchanging best practices in disease management, and fostering research collaboration between Brazil’s cocoa sector and the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG).
The delegation raised key concerns about the global cocoa economy and pricing dynamics. The meeting also emphasized the importance of collaborating among the world’s five largest cocoa-producing nations—Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Brazil, Nigeria, and Ecuador—to improve farmer incomes and promote sustainability in the cocoa value chain.
The visit further explored areas of scientific cooperation, including joint research on cocoa flavour analysis and strategies for managing cocoa diseases such as Witches’ Broom in Brazil and Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD) in Ghana.
Additionally, the delegation expressed interest in Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire’s Living Income Differential (LID) of US$400 per tonne, a model that ensures better earnings for cocoa farmers.
The agreement marks a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations, promoting sustainable cocoa farming, and enhancing research collaborations between Ghana and Brazil.
Meanwhile, COCOBOD welcomed Dr. Ransford Anertey Abbey as its Acting Chief Executive following his official appointment announced at the Presidency.
Randy, as he is affectionately known, joins the COCOBOD family at a pivotal time. He has vast experience in corporate governance, management consultancy, and communications.
His proven track record of excellence, strategic vision, and commitment to organizational growth make him the ideal leader to steer Ghana’s cocoa sector into a new era of innovation and sustainability.
Dr. Abbey’s extensive career includes leadership roles such as Managing Director of Ignite Media Group, serving on the Executive Council of the Ghana Football Association, and serving as President of Heart of Lions FC. These roles reflect his dedication to fostering collaboration, building impactful relationships, and delivering results.
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