Ghana’s cocoa industry has won a major reprieve in global trade after the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) successfully defended the country’s position at this year’s cocoa freight negotiations in France, hosted by the Senalia Group.
This outcome delivers a direct benefit to Ghana by easing cost pressures on cocoa exports, safeguarding competitiveness in the $120 billion global chocolate market, and ensuring greater value for farmers.
The high-level talks, which brought together shipping lines, cocoa traders, and industry stakeholders, ended with a landmark decision to maintain current freight rates, despite strong pressure from shipping companies to increase charges.
The agreement is a decisive victory for Ghana’s cocoa, especially at a time when rising global shipping costs and logistical bottlenecks are threatening supply chains. By holding rates steady, Ghana will be able to keep its beans more affordable on international markets, strengthening demand and protecting incomes for over 800,000 farming households.
The negotiations were reinforced by close collaboration with the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, whose backing gave CMC greater bargaining power. The partnership ensured Ghana’s collective interests were clearly defended, keeping operational costs manageable for COCOBOD and exporters.
Observers also note that beyond cost savings, the agreement reinforces Ghana’s reputation as a reliable and resilient cocoa supplier, which will help sustain long-term buyer relationships in Europe and beyond.
CMC’s Managing Director, Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, described the outcome as “a win not only for the company but for Ghana’s cocoa farmers and communities,” stressing that stable shipping rates will enhance the sector’s ability to invest in sustainability and innovation.
With this success, Ghana is expected to enjoy more predictable export conditions, supporting government’s broader strategy to stabilize the cocoa industry and improve farmer livelihoods.
