The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has engaged major international cocoa traders in London over financing, regulatory reforms and preparations for the 2026/27 cocoa season.

COCOBOD Chief Executive, Dr Ransford Abbey, and Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Finance and Administration, Ato Boateng, led the engagement convened by Ghana Cocoa Marketing Company (UK) Ltd.

The meeting brought together representatives of major cocoa trading and processing companies with longstanding commercial relationships with Ghana.

Key discussions focused on the newly enacted Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182), the proposed cocoa sector financing framework and arrangements for the start of the new season.

The parties also examined the proposed commercial paper and bond financing programme, liquidity arrangements and the role of private-sector financing in supporting Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs).

Ghana’s readiness to implement the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) also featured prominently, alongside other operational and commercial issues affecting participants in the cocoa trade.

COCOBOD said the engagement was part of efforts to maintain open communication with international trading partners while reforms are implemented to improve the sustainability, efficiency and competitiveness of the cocoa sector.

Participants welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with COCOBOD’s leadership and exchange views on strengthening Ghana’s cocoa industry and ensuring a successful start to the 2026/27 season.

COCOBOD reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, stakeholder engagement and continued collaboration with international trading partners as implementation of the new financing framework progresses.