Ghana’s cocoa industry is facing a major crisis as 81% of the country’s cocoa harvest has been infested with bean disease, causing production to plummet to half of the average seasonal output. Ghana, which is the world’s second largest producer of cocoa, is now struggling to meet demand as the continued slump in harvests has led to a sharp increase in market prices.
This devastating news has sent shockwaves through the industry, with farmers and officials in Ghana scrambling to find a solution to the outbreak. The cocoa bean disease not only affects the quality of the crop but also hampers the livelihoods of countless farmers who rely on cocoa production for their income.
FRANCE 24’s correspondent in Accra, Justice Baidoo, provides more insight into the situation on the ground in Ghana. As the country’s cocoa industry continues to grapple with this crisis, it is imperative that swift action is taken to mitigate the effects of the bean disease and prevent further damage to the sector.
The implications of this cocoa crisis extend far beyond Ghana, as the world’s cocoa supply chain could be disrupted by a shortage of production from one of the leading cocoa-producing countries. It is crucial that international stakeholders come together to support Ghana in overcoming this challenge and safeguarding the future of the cocoa industry in the region.
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Video “81% of Ghana’s cocoa harvest infested with bean disease • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 07/20/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English