The European Union (EU), in partnership with Solidaridad West Africa, Tropenbos Ghana, the Rights and Advocacy Initiative Network (RAIN), and the Taylor Crabbe Initiative (TCI), has launched a €2 million project to promote a deforestation-free cocoa supply chain and enhance sustainability in Ghana’s cocoa sector.
The three-year initiative, dubbed the “Deforestation-Free Cocoa Project,” will be implemented in two key cocoa-growing regions, the Asunafo-Asutufi Hotspot Intervention Area (HIA) in the Ahafo Region and the Wiawso, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Bia East, and Juaboso HIAs in the Western North Region.
The project aims to directly support about 5,000 cocoa farmers by rehabilitating over 1,000 hectares of aged monoculture farms with agroforestry systems.
It also seeks to promote inclusive governance, strengthen community-led monitoring systems, and align Ghana’s cocoa industry with global sustainability standards.
Speaking at the launch, Mr. Rune Skinnebach, the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, said the project forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to promote sustainability, environmental protection, and better livelihoods for farmers.
“This initiative aligns with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and complements our partnership with COCOBOD through the EU-Ghana COCOBOD Monitor, which puts people and the planet first,” he said.
Mr. Skinnebach added that the EU was proud to collaborate with its Ghanaian partners and local authorities to ensure the long-term sustainability of the cocoa industry, one of Ghana’s most vital economic sectors.
Mr. Eric Agare, Country Representative of Solidaridad Ghana, said his organization’s focus would be to help farmers adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that boost yields without causing forest loss.
“Our goal is to curb cocoa-led deforestation through the sustainable intensification of existing farms while supporting farmers to diversify income sources through alternative livelihood activities,” he explained.
Dr. Mercy Owusu Ansah, Country Director of Tropenbos Ghana, emphasized the importance of empowering local communities, particularly traditional leaders, women, and youth with knowledge and tools to protect forest reserves and promote climate-smart cocoa production.
“By strengthening local capacity, we ensure that the benefits of sustainable cocoa reach those who need them most,” she said.
On behalf of the government, Mr. Wilbert Petty Brentum, Western North Regional Minister, welcomed the project as a vital complement to ongoing initiatives such as the Ghana Cocoa REDD+ Programme, which addresses the root causes of deforestation and forest degradation.
He urged all stakeholders, including cocoa farmers and traditional authorities, to support the project’s implementation, saying: “Let’s all commit ourselves to preserving our forests, sustaining the cocoa industry, and improving the livelihoods of our people.”
Nana Kofi Nkuah II, Chief of Awhiam, who chaired the launch, commended the EU and its partners for their continued support to Ghana’s cocoa sector and called on beneficiary communities to work together to ensure the success of the project.
The Deforestation-Free Cocoa Project marks a significant step toward achieving a sustainable and ethical cocoa supply chain, reinforcing Ghana’s position as a responsible global cocoa producer.
