Ato Forson Urges Stronger Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire Collaboration to Transform Cocoa Sector
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has called for deeper cooperation between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to build a more resilient and profitable cocoa sector for farmers and both economies.
Speaking as Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Côte d’Ivoire–Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI) at the opening of the ongoing 7th Ordinary Meeting in Abidjan, Dr Forson said sustained dialogue must translate into real impact.
“I recall our virtual meeting of 4 May 2026 and our collective resolve to convene here in Abidjan for this in-person meeting, which is critical to reaffirming and strengthening our collaboration,” he stated.
Dr Forson stressed that dialogue and cooperation are means, not the end goal.
“Sustained dialogue and deeper cooperation are not ends in themselves but rather means to an end. While we may not be able to resolve all our challenges here today, our collective determination to make a genuine and lasting positive impact on our farmers, our countries, and future generations should remain the driving force that guides our work,” he said.
He reiterated that the relevance and necessity of the Ghana–Côte d’Ivoire partnership are undeniable and “we must ensure that it succeeds.”
The Finance Minister repeated a point he made during the May virtual meeting that the world’s two leading cocoa-producing countries must act strategically.
“As the world’s two leading cocoa-producing countries, we must engage more consistently and strategically to protect our economies. By doing so, we can better anticipate challenges, mitigate shocks, and shape the future of the industry rather than merely reacting to its disruptions,” Dr Forson said.
He urged delegates to focus deliberations on actionable outcomes.
“I therefore encourage us all to engage openly, constructively, and with a shared sense of purpose as we deliberate over the coming hours. Let us focus on identifying practical solutions and concrete actions that will strengthen our partnership and advance the interests of our farmers and our countries,” he added.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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