Accra: The European Union (EU), in collaboration with three organizations, has initiated a £2 million project aimed at establishing a deforestation-free cocoa supply chain across two key regions in Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, the organizations involved in this initiative are Solidaridad West Africa, Tropenbos Ghana, Rights and Advocacy Initiative Network (RAIN), and Taylor Crabbe Initiative (TCI). The project will be executed in the Asunafo-Asutufi Hotspot Intervention Area (HIA) in the Ahafo Region, as well as in Wiawso, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Bia East, and Juaboso HIA in the Western North Region. The three-year project, named the 'Deforestation-Free Cocoa Project', aims to directly benefit about 5,000 farmers by rehabilitating over 1,000 hectares of old monoculture farms with agroforestry systems.
Mr. Rune Skinnebach, the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, emphasized that the project is part of the EU Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to promote sustainability and enhance the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and complements the EU's partnership with COCOBOD on the EU-Ghana COCOBOD monitor, prioritizing both environmental and human welfare.
Mr. Eric Agare, Country Representative of Solidaridad Ghana, noted the partnership's objective to assist cocoa farmers in adopting climate-smart practices to boost productivity without exacerbating deforestation. He stressed the intention to curb cocoa-driven deforestation through sustainable intensification of existing farms and to help farmers diversify their income sources.
Dr. Mercy Owusu Ansah, Country Director of Tropenbos Ghana, remarked on the importance of equipping traditional leaders, youth, and women with tools for monitoring forest reserves and practicing climate-smart cocoa farming, ensuring that sustainable cocoa benefits reach those most in need.
Mr. Wilbert Petty Brentum, Western North Regional Minister, expressed confidence that the project would complement ongoing efforts like the Ghana Cocoa Red Plus program, which addresses deforestation and forest degradation causes to secure a sustainable cocoa sector.
Nana Kofi Nkuah II, Chief of Awhiam, who chaired the launch function, praised the EU and its partners for the initiative and encouraged collective efforts to ensure the project's success.
