The Managing Director(MD) of the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC), Dr. Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, has called for innovation and sustainability to be placed at the forefront of Ghana’s efforts to transform its cocoa and broader food sectors.

Speaking at a forum organised by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Food Research Institute in Accra, Dr. Dogbey emphasised the urgent need to rethink how Ghana produces and processes food, particularly cocoa, to enhance resilience, boost value addition, and accelerate economic growth.

“Cocoa is not just a commodity; it is a vital part of our culture, our economy, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers and families across Ghana,” he said.

“But the industry faces mounting challenges—climate change, market volatility, and an increasing demand for sustainable practices.”

Dr. Dogbey stressed that innovation must drive the solutions to these complex issues.

He noted that CMC is integrating new technologies into its operations and collaborating with stakeholders such as COCOBOD to raise cocoa quality and promote environmentally friendly practices.

“Sustainability is at the heart of our mission. We aim to ensure that cocoa production supports our farmers, safeguards the environment, and uplifts the communities we serve,” he added.

He also addressed the long-standing issue of Ghana’s overreliance on exporting raw commodities, particularly cocoa, while importing finished goods at a greater cost.

“This paradox underscores the need to develop our local processing capacities.

By adding value to our raw materials, we not only retain more wealth within the country but also provide healthier and more affordable food options for Ghanaians,” Dr. Dogbey noted.

He urged stronger collaboration between government agencies, private enterprises, NGOs, and research institutions such as the CSIR.

According to him, a united and coordinated approach will be crucial to building a robust, inclusive, and sustainable food system.

“As we champion innovation in healthy food production, we must also commit to a shared vision that empowers farmers, strengthens our economy, and preserves our environment,” he concluded.