Cocoa Marketing Company MD engages WAMCO ahead of 50% local cocoa processing reform

Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, Managing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), has visited the West Africa Mills Company (WAMCO) to evaluate the preparedness of cocoa processing firms ahead of a major government directive requiring that at least 50% of Ghana’s cocoa be processed locally.

The visit forms part of a broader push to align industry stakeholders with the new policy direction, which is also supported by CMC’s “Project Elevate.” This initiative focuses on shifting Ghana’s cocoa exports away from raw beans toward semi-finished products such as cocoa liquor, butter, and cake—products that command higher value on international markets.

The policy, announced by John Dramani Mahama, is aimed at strengthening the country’s cocoa value chain by increasing domestic processing capacity. By doing so, the government hopes to create more jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and boost export revenues. Key industry players expected to drive this transition include the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC), WAMCO, and several private sector processors.

During his visit to WAMCO, Dr Dogbey conducted a detailed assessment of the company’s infrastructure, processing capacity, and operational systems. The evaluation focused on determining whether the facility is equipped to handle increased cocoa volumes while maintaining high-quality production standards required for global markets.

He emphasized that scaling up local processing will demand significant improvements in efficiency, technology adoption, and adherence to international quality benchmarks. According to him, ensuring that facilities are fully prepared is critical to the success of the reform.

“It is crucial that we prepare our processing facilities to handle the increased capacity and quality standards that will come with this reform,” he stated.

The engagement also included strategic discussions between CMC and WAMCO executives on key operational areas such as production targets, pricing frameworks, market demand, technological upgrades, and the certifications needed to compete effectively in export markets. These discussions are seen as essential in ensuring a smooth transition toward higher levels of local value addition.

WAMCO, recognized as a major player in Ghana’s cocoa processing sector, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government’s vision. Company representatives highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, upgrade processing technologies, and secure the necessary international certifications to meet rising global demand for semi-processed cocoa products.

Dr Dogbey further stressed that the success of the policy will depend on strong collaboration across the entire cocoa value chain—from farmers and aggregators to processors and exporters.

“This is not just a government initiative; it is a collective responsibility that requires the active participation of all stakeholders,” he noted.

The visit represents a key step in CMC’s broader strategy to deepen value addition within Ghana’s cocoa sector and expand the country’s footprint in global cocoa markets. By strengthening partnerships with processors like WAMCO and aligning operations with national policy goals, CMC aims to position Ghana as a competitive hub for cocoa processing.

As the industry prepares for this transition, the coordinated commitment from government institutions and private sector players signals a promising future for Ghana’s cocoa industry, with the potential for increased economic returns, job creation, and enhanced global competitiveness.