The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) is deepening collaboration with Swiss partners to expand cocoa value addition through innovative juice production, following a high-level visit to the KOA Impact processing facility in Achiase.
The Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Dr. Ransford Abbey, together with the Swiss Ambassador to Ghana, Benin and Togo, Simone Giger, toured the facility to assess progress in extracting cocoa “sweatings” — a liquid byproduct traditionally discarded — for the production of premium cocoa juice.
Driving value beyond cocoa beans
The visit focused on evaluating the technical and commercial potential of scaling the process, which captures cocoa pulp before fermentation without affecting bean quality. The initiative is creating an additional revenue stream for farmers while transforming what was once waste into a marketable product.
Discussions during the tour centred on expanding the model to other cocoa-growing regions, increasing the range of value-added cocoa products, and attracting more foreign direct investment into Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Officials also highlighted the broader economic impact, particularly the potential to provide farmers with immediate supplementary income alongside traditional bean sales.
“Game-changer” for farmers
Dr. Abbey described the initiative as transformative for Ghana’s cocoa industry, emphasising its potential to modernise the value chain and improve farmer livelihoods.
This initiative is a game-changer for our farmers. It raises awareness of the full cocoa value chain and ensures that the sweat of the farmer translates into tangible wealth,” he said.
“Scaling this across all cocoa-growing regions will be a priority to ensure that the benefits of innovation reach every corner of the country.”
Strengthening Ghana–Switzerland cooperation
Ambassador Giger commended the project as a strong example of Swiss-Ghanaian partnership, noting that such innovations position Ghana as a leader in sustainable cocoa processing.
She highlighted the role of green technology and sustainable food systems in strengthening bilateral ties, while supporting Ghana’s push toward industrialisation through agriculture.
About KOA Impact
The Achiase-based KOA Impact facility uses solar-powered technology to process cocoa fruit pulp into juice and other products. The initiative is also contributing to local economic development by creating jobs and building technical skills among young people in the Eastern Region.
COCOBOD says it will continue to explore opportunities to scale similar innovations nationwide as part of efforts to maximise value from Ghana’s cocoa sector.
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