Cocobod Links Decreased Cocoa Bean Production to Adverse Weather Conditions

The Ghana Cocoa Board, commonly known as Cocobod, has recently spoken out concerning the decrease in cocoa bean production. The Public Affairs Manager of COCOBOD, Fiifi Boafo, pinpointed adverse weather conditions as a significant factor contributing to the decline in cocoa production.

Mr.Boafo emphasized the crucial role of weather patterns in cocoa cultivation. He explained that while rainfall is vital for cocoa production, the heavy downpour at the onset of this cocoa season was detrimental.

The excessive rainfall interfered with the fruiting process, leading to a reduction in the anticipated harvest. The severe harmattan conditions experienced in the country have also been reported to have had a detrimental effect on cocoa pods, worsening the situation.

Mr. Boafo also highlighted the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns, illegal mining, and smuggling, which further strain the industry. During a discussion on JoyNews’ PM Express on on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, Boafo elaborated on the weather-related challenges.

He stated,

“The major contributory factor for low cocoa production is the weather situation we’ve experienced this cocoa season. It started with a heavy rainfall. Then it got to a time where you expected the pods you had to develop for you to harvest then we experienced severe harmattan. So this El Niño challenge is largely a contributory factor to the low production we experienced this year.”

Apart from weather conditions, Boafo also drew attention to the swollen shoot disease that has been affecting cocoa production. He revealed that approximately 590,000 hectares of cocoa farms in Ghana have been impacted by this disease. These affected farms are currently under rehabilitation and are not yielding any cocoa beans.

Ghana, one of the world’s top cocoa producers, has been struggling with declining cocoa production in recent years. Presently, there is a global shortage of cocoa beans, causing the price of one tonne of cocoa to skyrocket to an unprecedented $10,000.

However, research indicates that Ghana may not significantly benefit from this price increase due to the significant drop in its cocoa production this year.