Tsa-ke-mo Africa advocates for value addition to cocoa before trading

Tsa-ke-mo Africa advocates for value addition to cocoa before trading

- Africa which produces 75% of the world’s cocoa only enjoys 2% of the world’s $100 billion chocolate industry

- Tsa-ke-mo Africa has called for 60% of cocoa produced in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire to be retained for value addition

- The think tank is a group aimed at promoting value addition and youth job creation from natural and agricultural resources

Trending topics on the go: How we write news at YEN.com.gh

Policy and advocacy think tank, Tsa-ke-mo Africa is calling for stronger public policies to encourage value-addition to cocoa produced in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.

The think tank which aims at promoting value addition and youth job creation from natural and agricultural resources said it is rather disappointing that Africa which produces 75% of the world’s cocoa only enjoys 2% of the world’s $100 billion chocolate industry.

According to them, though there have been some indications by governments to address the huge disparity identified, not much has been realized due to a lack of strong policies and commitments.

Read also

Free SHS: Legislator encourages constituents to invest in their children

Tsa-ke-mo Africa advocates for value addition to cocoa before trading
Tsa-ke-mo Africa advocates for value addition to cocoa before trading Credit: @tsakemo
Source: Twitter

Implementation of these policies they say will generate jobs and employment for Africa’s energetic youth population.

The Tsa-ke-mo think tank has therefore suggested some actionable policies to catalyse the growth of the cocoa value addition industry in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire.

In a press statement to mark this year’s National Chocolate Week, Tsa-ke-mo called for 60% of cocoa produced in Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire to be retained for value addition.

They stated that the 60% should be made more easily accessible to processing industries at affordable prices to ensure maximum participation of the country’s private sector.

They also called for the creation of a national fund for cocoa value addition capacity building and financing for the youth of the respective countries using at least 20% of cocoa export revenue.

They further stated that to serve as an incentive for private organisations and individuals to join the drive towards higher value addition for cocoa, new cocoa processing companies should be exempted from paying taxes in the first five years, whereas old cocoa processing companies should have their taxes reduced.

Read also

Sammy Gyamfi lashes at Gabby Otchere-Darko over Covid-19 fees at Kotoka

Tsa-ke-mo Africa urged the governments of Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire to put in place a free import duty regime for industrial machines and equipment for industries involved in cocoa processing or chocolate manufacturing.

Finally, increase funding for cocoa research and product development in the respective countries will go a long way to help.

The group is optimistic that, these initiatives will increase employment opportunities, contribute to a more sustainable economy, and grant the governments some bargaining power over finished products which will then generate greater revenue for the countries.

In another story, Leonardo DiCaprio who acted as Jack in the famous Titanic and also starred in a host of other movies has called on the Ghana government to make sure the Atewa Forest is kept safe.

In a video sighted by YEN.com.gh on the verified Twitter handle of the world-renowned actor, it is indicated that the forest in Ghana is one of the earth's irreplaceable places keeping the planet alive.

Read also

Australian High Commissioner worries over heap of rubbish behind Legon campus

Enjoy reading our stories? Join YEN.com.gh's Telegram channel!

Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news!

Source: YEN.com.gh

Online view pixel