By Love Wilhelmina Abanonave
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that domestic cocoa processors will process more than 50% of Ghana’s cocoa beans going forward.
He said the decision followed a meeting with local cocoa processors and the Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, during which the private sector operators expressed both the capacity and willingness to increase processing levels.
According to Dr Forson, an agreement has been reached for the immediate implementation of the policy.
“I met this morning, together with my colleague the Minister responsible for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, with domestic cocoa processors across the private sector, who have indicated that they have the capacity and the willingness to process more than 50% of Ghana’s cocoa beans going forward. An agreement has been reached on the immediate implementation of this policy,” he said.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Dr Forson said the policy shift aims to boost Ghana’s economy by adding value to cocoa resources, creating jobs, and strengthening the cedi.
The government plans to implement reforms to support local processors, including converting legacy debts and transferring road-related liabilities to the relevant ministries.
The move is expected to benefit Ghana’s cocoa sector, a major contributor to the national economy. Local processors, he said, have expressed readiness to expand operations, while the government remains committed to providing the necessary support.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com