By: Maltiti Sayida Sadick
The Managing Director of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), Dr. Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, has outlined a forward-looking strategy to reposition Ghana’s cocoa industry for global competitiveness, farmer welfare, and sustainable practices.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on the GTV Breakfast Show with Maltiti Sayida Sadick, Dr. Dogbey revealed key initiatives focusing on traceability, sustainability, infrastructure development, and value addition.
Dr. Dogbey assured Ghanaians that “about 95% of Ghana’s cocoa is traceable,” allowing the country to track the origins of cocoa beans and ensure they do not come from illegal mining (galamsey) areas. He emphasized that Ghana’s cocoa remains “premium quality and environmentally sustainable,” in line with the European Union’s Due Diligence Regulation (EUDR) compliance frameworks.
“Galamsey has been a headache for everybody, regardless of one’s political leanings. With traceability, we’re ensuring that cocoa doesn’t come from environmentally damaging areas,” he said, reaffirming government efforts to protect cocoa-growing communities.
On the issue of smuggling, Dr. Dogbey stressed the importance of building trust with local farmers. “We are working to ensure that we instill confidence in our farmers not to smuggle beans,” he stated, adding that stabilizing prices and improving farmer welfare remain central priorities.
He disclosed that CMC is collaborating with WAMCO and COCOBOD to significantly boost local processing, targeting the production of cocoa liquor, butter, and powder. The company is also developing advanced hedging strategies to add value to Ghana’s cocoa exports.
Dr. Dogbey revealed that his team is learning from Côte d’Ivoire, particularly in the use of biochar to improve tree yields. “Improving farmer livelihoods is a top priority,” he said, adding that CMC is working to enhance insurance schemes for cocoa farmers, while COCOBOD provides improved seedlings and ensures access to fertilizers and other inputs.
In a major logistical upgrade, CMC is implementing a 24-hour operations model at its ports and warehouses, complementing ongoing 24-hour shifts at the nation’s ports. He noted that improved transport infrastructure, such as cargo trains, will further support cocoa trade between ports and production areas.
Expanding regional markets under AfCFTA
Dr. Dogbey highlighted the potential of intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), citing South Africa’s cocoa grinders as a major opportunity for market expansion. Commenting on global trade dynamics, he referenced recent challenges under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), expressing confidence that Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaging to address such issues.
Driving a new era at CMC
Reflecting on his private sector experience, Dr. Dogbey acknowledged the difference in decision-making speed between the public and private sectors but expressed optimism about bridging that gap through innovation and strategic leadership.
As CMC embraces modernization under his leadership, stakeholders in Ghana’s cocoa value chain are poised to witness major shifts, from traceable beans and enhanced farmer protection to round-the-clock logistics and continent-wide market expansion.
He also announced the introduction of a “New Dawn” initiative to build staff capacity and reward outstanding performance with fully sponsored international trips, offering firsthand exposure to the global chocolate-making process.
