We’re In Talks With Dangote To Process 500,000 Tonnes Of Ghana’s Cocoa Locally – Ato Forson

According to a report by GHOne TV today being Saturday, November 14, 2026, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson has disclosed that the government is in discussions with the Dangote Group to explore the possibility of processing 500,000 tonnes of Ghana’s cocoa locally.

The proposed arrangement is expected to support Ghana’s efforts to increase domestic cocoa processing and reduce its dependence on exporting raw cocoa beans for processing in other countries.

Ato Forson made the disclosure while highlighting the government’s plans to strengthen the country’s cocoa industry and ensure that Ghana derives greater economic benefits from its cocoa production.

The discussions with the Dangote Group could open up opportunities for deeper collaboration between Ghana and the Nigerian industrial conglomerate, particularly in expanding local processing capacity.

Cocoa remains one of Ghana’s major agricultural commodities and an important contributor to the country’s export earnings. However, the country has continued to face calls to increase the volume of cocoa processed locally rather than relying heavily on the export of unprocessed beans.

Processing more cocoa within the country could allow Ghana to capture additional value from the commodity through the production of cocoa butter, cocoa powder, chocolate and other finished or semi-finished products.

Such an arrangement could also create opportunities for employment, support local industries and strengthen the country’s manufacturing sector.

The proposed processing of 500,000 tonnes represents a significant ambition, although the discussions with the Dangote Group are still ongoing.

The initiative also reflects the government’s broader interest in promoting industrial development by encouraging more local value addition to Ghana’s natural and agricultural resources.

If successfully concluded and implemented, the partnership could contribute to expanding Ghana’s cocoa processing industry and creating additional economic opportunities.

Ato Forson’s disclosure has therefore brought renewed attention to efforts to transform Ghana’s cocoa sector from one that primarily exports raw agricultural produce into an industry capable of generating greater value through local manufacturing.

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