Tokyo, Japan – September 2025 – The Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr. Ransford Abbey, has held high-level discussions with leading Japanese chocolate manufacturers to explore opportunities for strengthening cocoa trade relations between Ghana and Japan. The engagement formed part of Dr. Abbey’s itinerary at the ongoing International Expo in Tokyo, where global players in the food and beverage sector are showcasing innovations and forging new partnerships.
The strategic dialogue brought together executives from major Japanese firms, including Glico and Itochu, both of which have significant stakes in the chocolate and confectionery industry. With Ghana supplying close to 70 percent of Japan’s cocoa imports, the discussions underscored the depth of Ghana’s influence in Japan’s chocolate production value chain and reaffirmed the need for stronger cooperation to secure sustainable cocoa trade.
Reaffirming Ghana’s Commitment
During the meeting, Dr. Abbey assured the Japanese firms of Ghana’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a steady supply of premium cocoa beans. He highlighted that despite global challenges facing the cocoa sector, Ghana remains determined to uphold its reputation as a reliable supplier of quality cocoa.
“Our cocoa is globally recognized for its superior quality, and Japan remains one of our most valued trading partners. We are determined to sustain this partnership by ensuring a steady and sustainable flow of cocoa beans to support your production needs,” Dr. Abbey stated.
He emphasized that the relationship between Ghana and Japan extends beyond trade, pointing out that cocoa has become a bridge linking both nations. He also called for a more collaborative approach to addressing challenges that threaten the industry’s future.
Addressing Key Sector Challenges
The discussions delved into the pressing issues currently facing Ghana’s cocoa sector. Dr. Abbey noted that the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD), one of the most destructive cocoa plant diseases, has severely affected farms across the country. In addition, illegal mining activities continue to pose a significant threat to cocoa-growing regions, reducing viable farmland and endangering production levels.
Dr. Abbey explained that COCOBOD has launched comprehensive rehabilitation programmes aimed at combating these challenges. These include replanting diseased farms, supporting farmers with improved seedlings, and implementing community-based interventions to safeguard cocoa-growing areas from encroachment by illegal miners.
“We have put in place a robust strategy that addresses both disease control and farm rehabilitation. However, these interventions require substantial resources and international collaboration. This is why we are extending an invitation to our Japanese partners to join hands with us in ensuring the sustainability of cocoa production,” he stressed.
Call for Collaboration
Dr. Abbey used the occasion to invite Japanese firms to actively support COCOBOD’s rehabilitation programmes and sustainability initiatives. According to him, strategic partnerships with chocolate manufacturers could play a pivotal role in boosting yields, promoting environmentally friendly farming practices, and ultimately ensuring a resilient cocoa industry that benefits both producers and global buyers.
He pointed out that the growing demand for ethically sourced and sustainable cocoa products worldwide has made it more important than ever for stakeholders to work together. By investing in sustainability programmes in Ghana, Japanese manufacturers would not only secure their supply chains but also contribute to the livelihoods of millions of cocoa farmers.
“Cocoa is not just a commodity; it is a lifeline for many rural households in Ghana. By collaborating with us, you are contributing to poverty alleviation, environmental protection, and the long-term future of the global chocolate industry,” Dr. Abbey added.
Positive Response from Japanese Firms
Executives from Glico, Itochu, and other participating companies welcomed COCOBOD’s proposals, acknowledging the central role Ghana plays in sustaining Japan’s chocolate industry. They commended COCOBOD’s proactive efforts in tackling sector challenges and expressed their readiness to explore ways of deepening cooperation.
Representatives of the Japanese firms also reiterated their commitment to ethical sourcing, noting that the Ghana-Japan cocoa trade relationship has been built on trust and mutual benefit for decades. They highlighted that supporting Ghanaian cocoa farmers through sustainability programmes would not only guarantee supply security but also align with consumer expectations for responsibly sourced products.
The firms pledged to continue engaging COCOBOD on joint initiatives, including research collaborations, training programmes for farmers, and investments in rehabilitation projects that enhance productivity and safeguard the environment.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
The engagement in Tokyo was not just about cocoa—it also served as a symbol of the enduring ties between Ghana and Japan. Both countries have long enjoyed cordial relations, with trade in cocoa serving as one of the cornerstones of this partnership. Japan’s chocolate industry, renowned for its precision and quality, depends heavily on Ghanaian cocoa beans, while Ghana values Japan as a stable and consistent market.
Dr. Abbey’s discussions with the chocolate manufacturers therefore reinforced the mutual interdependence of both countries. By focusing on sustainability and collaboration, both sides are working to secure the long-term future of an industry that touches millions of lives across continents.
The COCOBOD Delegation
Accompanying Dr. Abbey to the meeting were senior officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board, including Mr. Ato Boateng, Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Finance and Administration; Mr. Jerome K. Sam, Head of Public Affairs; and Mr. Sulemana Wahab from the Office of the Chief Executive. Their presence underscored the seriousness of the engagement and the institution’s commitment to building stronger global partnerships.
The delegation also used the Expo platform to engage other stakeholders in the international cocoa and chocolate industry, showcasing Ghana’s achievements and promoting investment opportunities in the cocoa value chain.
Looking Ahead
The strategic discussions in Tokyo signal a renewed phase in the Ghana-Japan cocoa relationship. As Ghana continues to implement its rehabilitation programmes and modernize the cocoa sector, partnerships with international players will be critical. Japanese chocolate manufacturers, with their reputation for innovation and quality, are well-positioned to play a central role in shaping this future.
For Ghana, the sustainability of the cocoa sector remains a national priority. Beyond being a major foreign exchange earner, cocoa is the lifeblood of rural communities and a heritage crop that symbolizes Ghana’s identity. Ensuring its resilience in the face of climate change, disease, and economic pressures will require cooperation, innovation, and shared responsibility.
Dr. Abbey’s engagement in Tokyo has therefore opened a new chapter of dialogue and collaboration—one that promises mutual benefits for Ghanaian farmers, Japanese manufacturers, and global consumers who cherish chocolate made from Ghana’s premium cocoa.
