![\"Hackman](\"http:\/\/citibusinessnews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/Hackman-inspecting-some-cocoa-processing-plants-in-Tema.jpeg\")
<\/a>Despite efforts targeted at adding value to Ghana\u2019s cocoa before exporting, the country still exports about 80 percent of its raw cocoa beans, losing a lot of foreign earnings.<\/p>\n
Currently government\u2019s aim is to reach 50 percent processing of cocoa beans in the short term as it reaches for the enviable one million metric ton production. So how is government working differently to increase Ghana\u2019s cocoa production from the 800,000 metric tons to one million as it improves local processing to 50 percent?<\/p>\n Speaking to Citi Business News after a tour of some cocoa processing companies in Tema, the Chairman of the Board of COCOBOD, Mr. Hackman Owusu Agyeman stated that government is keen on achieving the targets.<\/p>\n \u201cThe president, Nana Akufo-Addo announced that we want to increase cocoa production to one million metric tons and also increase the processing of the beans to 50 percent. We can do it,\u201d he assured.<\/p>\n Mr. Owusu Agyeman stated that government will work at increasing output in the sector.<\/p>\n “We are going to work at increasing the output. If we are able to do that then we can feed the local processors with the amount of beans they need to reach the 50%,” he said adding that, “the president is passionate about achieving the target”.<\/p>\n A careful observation by some industry watchers has shown that Ghana can achieve the 50 percent processing of local cocoa beans if the right steps are put in place.<\/p>\n The Ghana Cocoa Processing Company which is the foremost cocoa processing company established by Ghana\u2019s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah has seen a growing decline in its output over the years.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n