Expert calls for serious measures to improve cocoa yield as world marks Cocoa Day

Despite her enviable position as the second largest producer of cocoa, Ghana's competitiveness in the trade is waning due to continued low levels of farm production.

Currently, Ghana is four percent below yield levels compared to its closest competitor, Cote d’Ivoire.

Speaking at a lecture on the crop in Accra, the Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute, Dr. Anim Kwapong said while proper fermentation has become less of a priority, lack of requisite skills in the planting process is also a challenge.

He said serious steps are needed to address land acquisition, finance and yield enhancing policies.

GBC