Ghana to host 2027 World Cocoa Foundation Meeting in Accra

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is calling for stronger international cooperation and fair pricing systems in the global cocoa industry as Ghana prepares to host the 2027 World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) Partnership Meeting in Accra.

At the official announcement on Friday, May 22, 2026, COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer Randy Abbey said Ghana’s selection as host marks an important achievement for the country’s cocoa sector.

He explained that the event gives Ghana a strong platform to influence global decisions on the future of cocoa production.

He added, “It is an honour and privilege for us to host this important global gathering in Accra in 2027, and we are confident it will be a memorable event.”

Dr Abbey noted that Africa last hosted the WCF Partnership Meeting in 2016 in Côte d’Ivoire.

He said Ghana plans to use the 2027 meeting to push for more investment in cocoa production, stronger sustainability measures, and fairer earnings for producing countries.

He also warned that the global cocoa sector faces growing pressure. Climate change, crop diseases, and rising production costs continue to affect output, while unstable prices put farmers’ incomes at risk.

“We stand at a critical period in the history of global cocoa production. The world loves chocolate, but the system that delivers it is under immense strain,” he said. He further pointed out that diseases like the swollen shoot virus continue to destroy cocoa farms and reduce productivity across producing countries.

Dr Abbey revealed that the meeting will take place from March 16 to 18, 2027, in Accra. He said it will bring together chocolate manufacturers, cocoa buyers, and development partners to discuss fair pricing systems and stronger financial support for cocoa-producing nations.

He expressed hope that the discussions will lead to real actions that improve the lives of cocoa farmers rather than ending in talk alone.

He also announced that the event will be part of activities marking COCOBOD’s 80th anniversary next year, which he described as a key moment to reflect on the institution’s role in Ghana’s economy.

The WCF Country Director for Ghana and Nigeria, Mawuli Coffie, also stressed the importance of improving farmer welfare to secure the future of the cocoa industry.

He stated, “We must recognise a simple reality: resilient cocoa supply chains begin with resilient farmers.”

Dr Coffie warned that many farmers may abandon cocoa farming if they do not receive stable incomes, better productivity support, and access to financing.

He further raised concern about the spread of the swollen shoot viral disease, which continues to threaten cocoa production and farmer livelihoods in Ghana and other producing countries.

The 2027 WCF Partnership Meeting, themed “From Origin to Resilience,” will bring together governments, cocoa traders, chocolate companies, development partners, and sustainability advocates to shape the future of the global cocoa industry.

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