Amsterdam recently hosted the World Cocoa Foundation conference from February 6 to 11, 2024, alongside the Amsterdam Cocoa and Chocolate Week. This event provided a crucial platform for dialogue, discussion, and networking within the cocoa and chocolate sector.

Issifu Issaka, the union president of the Sefwi Bekwai Cocoa Farmers Cooperative & Marketing Union, represented the Ghana Coop. Cocoa Farmers & Mktg. Assoc. Ltd (GCCFA)  and the cocoa farmers of Ghana at the conference. His presence highlighted the importance of strengthening cocoa farmers' voices and concerns on a global scale.

During the conference, He raised critical issues affecting the Ghanaian cocoa industry and the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. Notable issues raised included transparency in price mechanisms, compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), and the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CS3D) requirements and support for cocoa farmers in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.

He also touched on the escalating production costs that often go unnoticed in pricing mechanisms.

GCCFA represented by Issifu Issaka actively advocated for these important issues, aiming for a positive transformation of the cocoa sector to ensure sustainability.

Although the conference has concluded, GCCFA remains committed to championing the interests of cocoa farmers in Ghana. Oxfam showed commitment by making this journey possible highlighting their dedication to advancing the welfare and rights of cocoa farmers.

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