Consume local coffee to boost domestic production — COCOBOD CEO

THE maiden Ghana Coffee Week has been launched with a call on Ghanaians to promote local coffee consumption to help build a strong domestic market.

This will also ensure that farmers receive fair compensation for their produce and stimulate the country’s economic growth.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahene Aidoo, made the call in a speech read on his behalf at the opening of the maiden Ghana Coffee Week celebration in Accra on Monday.

He said while Ghana is well-known for its premium cocoa production, the coffee industry comparatively remains underdeveloped.

This, he said, has created the opportunity for stakeholders to work together to develop the sector so as to tap the numerous potentials for the benefit of all value chain actors, particularly the farmers.

He explained that the growing concerns over the country’s over-dependence on the cocoa industry, coupled with the increasing global demand for coffee, have catalysed a series of initiatives from both the government and various stakeholders, aimed at revitalising the coffee sector.

According to him, the renewed focus is particularly crucial because coffee provides smallholder farmers with a viable alternative, diversifying their revenue streams and reducing the risks associated with relying solely on cocoa.

“Recognising the immense potential of the coffee sector, the Government of Ghana is fully committed to fostering its growth.

We understand that diversifying our agricultural exports is essential to reduce our reliance on cocoa, which, while vital to our economy, leaves us vulnerable to price fluctuations and other external factors,” he said.

Commitment

He said coffee remains one of the mandated crops of COCOBOD and assured of the Board’s continuous support to promote its production and value addition in the country.

“The coffee sector is an additional pathway to a prosperous and sustainable future for our farmers, communities, value chain actors and the nation as a whole.

The government is committed to nurturing this potential, working collaboratively with all stakeholders: farmers, cooperatives, processors, investors, and consumers to create a vibrant coffee industry in Ghana, Africa and the international community,” Mr Aidoo stated.

Activities

The week-long national celebration funded by the European Union is being organised by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with the Coffee Federation of Ghana on the theme: “Importance of the Coffee Sector to Ghana’s Economy and Government’s Commitment to Supporting its Growth.”

It aims to draw attention to Ghana’s coffee industry and its potential to boost economic growth.

The celebration will feature a series of activities, including training sessions focused on enhancing the skills of baristas and young entrepreneurs, with an interest in adding value to Ghanaian coffee; Women and Youth in Coffee forum to project their roles in the coffee value chain and an agro-tourism trip.

A coffee fair and exhibition will be held to showcase the products of local roasters, producers and industry professionals for attendees to experience the unique flavours of Ghanaian coffee.

Potential

For his part, the National Programme Coordinator, ITC Alliances for Action, Larry Attipoe, emphasised the enormous potential of the local coffee industry to grow both domestically and globally.

He said the maiden Coffee Week comes at a time when the global coffee market has been valued at $233.78 billion, growing at an annual rate of 5.4 per cent through to 2030.

He said while Ghana’s coffee industry is still in its early stages, it holds immense promise, especially as Ghanaian coffee currently occupies about 30 per cent of the West African coffee market.

“We see this trend continuing and providing significant opportunities for our local producers,” he added.

Access to credit

The Vice President of the Coffee Federation of Ghana, Samuel Adomako, said the coffee sector holds great potential. Therefore, financial institutions must take advantage and work with farmers and entrepreneurs to promote and support the coffee business.

“Let us continue to gather, support and encourage our coffee farmers and entrepreneurs. The financial institutions present here have a chance to identify promising coffee businesses and provide the necessary backing to help them succeed. Together, we can build a thriving coffee industry,” he said.