The Mondelez International, an international chocolate producer, has expressed interest to partner the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA), to contribute positively to the development and sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
This came to light at a meeting when a delegation from the Mondelez International met the Minister of Food and Agriculture, in Accra on Monday.
Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the Minster of Food and Agriculture, expressed government’s appreciation for the initiative of Mondelez International to boost the growth of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
He said the initiative of Mondelez International was laudable and productive, adding that it would empower cocoa farmers to improve production.
Dr Akoto said that the country’s efforts at reviving the cocoa industry, which collapsed over the years, had been a major challenge.
He said MoFA would welcome support from non-governmental organisations and philanthropists, to expand the country’s capacity to produce more chocolates and cocoa products.
Yaa Peprah Amekudzi, Head, Cocoa Life Programme, Ghana, said Mondelez International would partner the country to facilitate the growth and development of the cocoa industry.
“We are committed to growing our businesses and making our snacks the right way, using less energy, water and waste, with ingredients that are sustainably sourced, produced and delivered with positive impact along the supply chain,” she said.
Yaa Amekudzi said that the company would empower people to patronise snacks that are made right from cocoa through portion control options, information, better nutrition profiles and the snack-mindful digital education campaign.
She stated that the cocoa life initiative would work with partners and farmers in Ghana to make cocoa farming a business of choice, and to support communities that would initiate their own development while conserving natural resources.
According to Yaa Amekuzi, Mondelez International being the world leader in biscuits, chocolate, gum, candy and beverages has been using its scale to drive change in the coca supply chain by investing directly at cocoa communities.
BY EVANGEL KELVIN AINOO
