China partners Ghana to construct $60m cocoa processing factory

The Chinese government is set to partner Ghana to construct a $60 million cocoa processing factory in Sefwi Wiawso in the Western region. 

The factory, when completed will have a processing capacity of 45,000 tonnes and is expected to boost Ghana’s cocoa sector.

Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo said ‘‘for us in Ghana, this is very significant. We have been producing cocoa for many years. 

We [Ghana] have been looking out for the market for the consumption of cocoa, so the acceptance of the Chinese government to partner with the Ghanaian government is a major boost to this plan,’’ he said.

The factory would be partly funded by the Chinese government with a $35 million grant, while Ghana takes up the remaining cost.
 
‘‘The factory will run through the entire course of producing butter, cake, liquor, cake and then chocolate bars. We have been looking out for a market for the consumption of cocoa. With the conventional market becoming stagnant, adding value to our cocoa will broaden our market space,’’ he added.
 
The Chinese support for this factory follows Ghana’s petition to the Chinese government for assistance in establishing the factory.

The factory would boost the country’s exports, improve value addition and cocoa consumption locally. Upon completion, the factory is expected to produce about 45,000 metric tonnes of cocoa bean annually into butter, liquor and many other cocoa products.

Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese embassy Chai Zhijing added that this project will also boost China’s consumption of cocoa from Ghana.

According to Chai Zhijing, both China and Ghana have been enjoying a good trade relationship. 

The trade for a total volume of import and export between Ghana and China was $6.6 billion last year with China’s export at $4.8 billion and the import from Ghana at around $1.8 billion.

“As China enjoys a surplus of a trade from Ghana we are hoping that this support to Ghana will help to encourage Ghanaian government to produce more finished products through this project,” he said.
 
A delegation from China is currently in the country to conduct a feasibility study on the proposed site for the construction of the factory.

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