The Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association (GNACOFA), in partnership with Africa for Glory Agenda, officially launched the inaugural World Cocoa Cup Soccer Tournament on Wednesday, November 26, at the Accra International Press Centre.
The tournament, set for March 2027 in Brazil, seeks to combine football’s global appeal with the promotion of sustainable cocoa production under the theme “Youth-Led Soccer for Sustainable Cocoa Production.”
The launch brought together journalists, cocoa-sector stakeholders, youth groups, and GNACOFA members. Daniel Nana Osei Ampratwum, Tournament Project Manager and CEO of Africa for Glory Agenda, explained that the initiative aims to educate consumers, particularly young people, about cocoa’s origins, economic importance, and sustainable sourcing.
“Football presents an unmatched opportunity to connect with consumers,” he said, highlighting the tournament’s role in addressing issues like child labour, land reclamation, and farmers’ pensions.
The road to Brazil begins with continental playoffs, including Ghana’s opening match on February 1, 2026, featuring Asante Kotoko and Accra Hearts of Oak. GNACOFA has also formed its own team, the GNACOFA Stars, to engage youth and attract talent to the cocoa sector.
Ing. Stephenson Anane Boateng, GNACOFA President, emphasised cocoa’s economic significance, noting it supports 800,000 farm owners and 700,000 sharecroppers while generating about US$2 billion annually in foreign exchange.
Both speakers stressed that the Cocoa Cup is not only a football competition but a social, cultural, and economic intervention aimed at strengthening the cocoa value chain and celebrating farmers’ contributions.
Ampratwum concluded: “Long live the cocoa economy. Long live cocoa. Long live the Cocoa Cup Soccer Tournament.”
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