Ghana’s cocoa production over the past three decades tells a story of resilience, growth, and, more recently, alarming decline. From the early 1990s to the present day, the data reveals a rollercoaster of yields, with periods of significant expansion followed by troubling downturns. As one of the world’s largest cocoa producers, Ghana’s struggles have far-reaching implications for the global chocolate industry and the millions of farmers who depend on cocoa for their livelihoods.
In the early 1990s, cocoa production was relatively modest, starting at 293,352 metric tonnes in 1990/1991 and dropping to 242,817 metric tonnes in 1991/1992. The mid-1990s saw gradual growth, with production reaching 309,455 metric tonnes in 1994/1995 and peaking at 403,843 metric tonnes in 1995/1996. However, this upward trend was not sustained, as production dipped to 322,489 metric tonnes in 1996/1997 before recovering to 395,674 metric tonnes in 1997/1998 and 397,363 metric tonnes in 1998/1999. Production reached 436,946 metric tonnes in 1999/2000, marking the decade’s high point.
The early 2000s brought mixed results. Production dropped to 389,772 metric tonnes in 2000/2001 and further to 340,563 metric tonnes in 2001/2002, but a significant turnaround occurred in 2002/2003, with yields jumping to 493,646 metric tonnes. This was followed by a remarkable surge to 735,266 metric tonnes in 2003/2004, marking a period of rapid growth. However, this momentum was short-lived, as production fell to 599,318 metric tonnes in 2004/2005 before recovering to 740,458 metric tonnes in 2005/2006.
The mid-2000s were marked by instability, with production dropping to 614,533 metric tonnes in 2006/2007 and fluctuating between 680,781 metric tonnes in 2007/2008 and 710,639 metric tonnes in 2008/2009. The 2009/2010 season saw another decline, with production falling to 632,037 metric tonnes. However, the 2010/2011 season brought a historic high of 1,024,553 metric tonnes, a record that remains unmatched to this day. This peak was followed by a gradual decline, with production falling to 899,000 metric tonnes in 2011/2012 and 835,467 metric tonnes in 2012/2013.
The 2013/2014 season saw a slight recovery, with production rising to 896,220 metric tonnes, but this was followed by another drop to 740,254 metric tonnes in 2014/2015. Production fluctuated in the subsequent years, reaching 778,044 metric tonnes in 2015/2016 and peaking at 969,511 metric tonnes in 2016/2017. However, the years that followed were marked by a steady decline, with production falling to 904,739 metric tonnes in 2017/2018, 811,747 metric tonnes in 2018/2019, and 766,977 metric tonnes in 2019/2020.
The 2020/2021 season brought a surprising rebound, with production soaring to 1,047,000 metric tonnes, the highest figure in the dataset. However, this recovery was short-lived, as production plummeted to 689,000 metric tonnes in 2022/2023 and is projected to drop further to 530,000 metric tonnes in 2023/2024. This sharp decline highlights the dwindling nature of cocoa production in recent seasons, raising concerns about the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Several factors are contributing to this decline, including the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD), an ageing farmer population, old tree stock, low adoption of good agronomic practices, and increasing incidences of pests and diseases. Climate change has also led to unpredictable weather patterns, further affecting crop yields. Additionally, economic challenges, such as fluctuating global cocoa prices and labour shortages, have compounded the problem.
The dwindling production figures are a cause for alarm, as cocoa is not only a vital export commodity but also a key driver of rural development in Ghana. Addressing these challenges will require a multi-faceted approach, including investment in sustainable farming practices, rejuvenation of ageing cocoa farms, rehabilitation of CSSVD-infected farms, improved adoption of agronomic practices, enhanced youth participation in cocoa farming, and policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Without urgent action, the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry and the livelihoods of millions of farmers remain at risk.
As Ghana grapples with these challenges, the world watches closely. The country’s cocoa is a key ingredient in the global chocolate industry, and its decline could have far-reaching implications.
By Kabiru Mohammed
District Extension Coordinator
Cocobod
