The Ghana Cocoa Monitor (GCM) has officially inaugurated its Steering Committee and held its first meeting, marking a significant milestone in Ghana’s commitment to enhancing coordination, transparency, and long-term sustainability across the cocoa value chain. The GCM is a national multi-stakeholder platform designed to improve coordination, strengthen data sharing, and foster strategic dialogue among institutions operating within Ghana’s cocoa sector. Its establishment is supported by funding from the European Union (EU) and technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Investment Centre under the EU Sustainable Cocoa Initiative and Programme.
At the inaugural meeting, representatives from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), FAO, and the EU highlighted the importance of the initiative. Dr. Isaac Manu, Director of Research at COCOBOD, emphasized that GCM aims to evolve into a permanent, evidence-driven hub for policy coordination, data collection, and collective action. FAO’s Priya Gujadhur reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to ensuring the platform functions as an inclusive and credible forum for national dialogue.
The Steering Committee brings together representatives from public and private sectors, farmer cooperatives, civil society, academia, and development partners to formalize governance and guide the GCM’s mission. Co-Chairs were selected, and the Committee’s terms of reference were adopted. The committee reflects the diversity of Ghana’s cocoa sector, incorporating a broad spectrum of expertise and perspectives to strengthen coordination, transparency, and sustainability.
Members of the committee include Dr. Isaac Manu and Ms. Abena Annobea Asare representing the public sector; Dr. Mawuli Coffie and Mr. Ernest Dwamena from the private sector; Mr. Issifu Issaka and Nana Johnson Mensah for farmer representation; Nana Kwasi Barning Ackah and Willem-Albert Toose from civil society; H.E. Mr. Jeroen Verheul and Ms. Ashwini Rekha Sebastian representing development partners; and Prof. Robert Aidoo from academia. This diverse composition positions the GCM as a credible, inclusive, and nationally relevant platform for driving sustainable change in the cocoa industry.
During its first session, the Committee outlined immediate priorities, including developing a six-month operational work plan and establishing Technical Working Groups focused on economic, environmental, and social sustainability. Cross-cutting themes such as traceability, governance, data management, and capacity strengthening were also identified as key areas of work.
The launch of the Steering Committee represents a crucial step toward coordinated and transparent governance in Ghana’s cocoa sector, laying the foundation for stronger collaboration, improved data transparency, and long-term transformation of the industry.
