Cocoa farmers’ cooperatives in Ghana are being admonished to shed partisan shackles and restructure their focus and mission on fighting for farmers’ rights and cocoa’s future.

Cooperatives, once envisioned engines of empowerment, and representation of common goals, are often faltered and hijacked for political parties’ expediency, rather than progress of the unions.

Country representative of Solidaridad West Africa, Eric Amoako Agyari, urges leaders to be vigilant to prevent these associations from devolving into mere political tools.

Cocoa farming is an essential sector of Ghana’s economy, with the country being the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa beans, trailing only behind Côte d'Ivoire.

Due to the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, cooperatives are formed to address and improve farmers’ livelihoods, pool resources, enhance bargaining power, and provide mutual support.

The newly launched Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association in Kumasi, is being entreated to stick to their mission, and uphold members welfare.

Country representative for Solidaridad West Africa, Eric Amoako Agyari, advises cocoa cooperatives to be conscious of their impact on members.

“Cooperatives have failed because they became vehicles for political parties. But today, the reality is drowning on them to rework and assume the vibrancy they have. Else they will not be able to create the impact they wish to create. Years back cooperatives were used for political expediency. I encourage the leaders to be conscious of these risks so they don't risk this association getting to fight for farmers and the development of cocoa,” he said.

Established in November 2024 with support from Solidaridad under its RECLAIM Sustainability! (RS!) Programme, the Ghana Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Association is an umbrella body comprising 75 cocoa farmers’ cooperative unions across nine cocoa-growing regions in Ghana.

The association aims to strengthen the representation of cocoa farmers in decision-making processes at all levels of the cocoa sector.

The launch brought together key stakeholders, including cocoa farmers’ cooperative unions, civil society organizations, policymakers, industry experts, traditional leaders, and other relevant institutions.

The association, which is first of its kind in the cocoa sector, was launched under the theme: "Building a stronger voice through cooperatives to promote sustainable livelihood for cocoa farmers," aligning with the 2025 UN International Year of Cooperatives focused on how cooperatives build a better world.

President of the Association, Issak Issifu is assuring union members of facilitating smooth policy implementation and ensuring these resources reach farmers effectively.

He highlighted challenges of farmers to include low yields, poverty, climate change, and limited control over pricing due to the state-regulated system managed by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).

“Our Association exemplifies this vision and operates on cooperative principles to strengthen farmers' voices and representation. As the government seeks to reintroduce free fertilizers, improved Seedlings, and agro-inputs to boost cocoa yields, our Association stands ready with robust structures in place.

“We are committed to amplifying the voices of cocoa farmers, advocate for their rights and welfare, establish enterprises, and contribute to a sustainable and thriving cocoa sector in Ghana,” he said.

Funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the RS! Programme seeks to amplify the voices of farmers and workers in shaping public and private policies that promote decent working conditions, equitable access to natural resources, and fair value distribution across supply chains.