By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
Cocoa farmer associations are calling for renewed negotiations between Ghana and Ivory Coast to establish stronger regulations on cocoa supply to the global market in a bid to secure better prices for producers.
The farmers argue that coordinated action between the two leading cocoa-producing nations would help stabilise supply levels and strengthen their bargaining power on the international market.
President of the Mankrong Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association, Francis Teinor, stressed the need for decisions on pricing and supply to be guided by credible data.
“Currently, when you have to make any argument, it has to be based on fact and data. But the data as we have now is not favourable, so how do we push for more?” he questioned.
Mr. Teinor further noted that government has the authority to regulate supply in collaboration with its Ivorian counterparts.
“The government, in this case, also has the power to control the supply. So, they should look at all other means and have a meeting with their Ivorian counterparts to control the supply. When that is done, I believe it is going to affect the world market, and that we will all enjoy,” he said.
Ghana and Ivory Coast together account for the majority of global cocoa production. Farmers believe that stronger cooperation between the two countries could significantly influence global prices and improve incomes for cocoa-growing communities.
