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European Union (EU), in collaboration with three partner organisations, has launched a £2 million project aimed at promoting a deforestation-free cocoa supply chain in two key cocoa-producing regions of Ghana. The initiative, titled “Deforestation-Free Cocoa Project,” will be jointly implemented by Solidaridad West Africa, Tropenbos Ghana, Rights and Advocacy Initiative Network (RAIN), and Taylor Crabbe Initiative (TCI). It will operate within the Asunafo-Asutufi Hotspot Intervention Area (HIA) in the Ahafo Region and the Wiawso, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Bia East, and Juaboso HIAs in the Western North Region. Spanning three years, the project will directly support about 5,000 farmers, focusing on the rehabilitation of over 1,000 hectares of aging monoculture cocoa farms using agroforestry systems. The goal is to align Ghana’s cocoa industry with global sustainability standards while enhancing community participation and local governance in forest management. Speaking at the launch, Rune Skinnebach, EU Ambassador to Ghana, said the project forms part of the EU Global Gateway strategy, which promotes sustainability and improved livelihoods for cocoa farmers. He explained that the initiative aligns with the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and complements the EU’s ongoing partnership with COCOBOD on the EU–Ghana COCOBOD Monitor, which prioritises both environmental protection and social welfare. “The EU is proud to work alongside local authorities and our partners to ensure the sustainability and long-term growth of Ghana’s cocoa sector,” Mr. Skinnebach stated. Eric Agare, Country Representative of Solidaridad Ghana, emphasised that the project would help cocoa farmers adopt climate-smart agricultural practices that boost productivity while protecting forest ecosystems. “Our aim is to curb cocoa-driven deforestation through the sustainable intensification of existing farms and help farmers diversify their income through alternative livelihood opportunities,” he said. Dr. Mercy Owusu Ansah, Country Director of Tropenbos Ghana, added that empowering traditional leaders, youth, and women to engage in forest monitoring and climate-smart cocoa production would ensure that the benefits of sustainability reach the most vulnerable groups. On his part, Wilbert Petty Brentum, Western North Regional Minister, said the initiative complements existing programmes such as the Ghana Cocoa REDD+ Programme, which targets the drivers of deforestation and promotes sustainable cocoa cultivation. “This project will strengthen community advocacy and equip stakeholders with the tools needed for responsible natural resource management,” he said. “Let’s all commit to preserving our environment, sustaining the cocoa industry, and improving livelihoods.” The event was chaired by Nana Kofi Nkuah II, Chief of Awhiam, who commended the EU and its partners for their continued investment in sustainable cocoa production and called on all stakeholders to ensure the project’s success.
