The Republic of Ghana gained independence
from the United Kingdom in 1957, and it has quickly become one
of the fastest growing economies in the world. Located in
western Africa, Ghana is home to some of the world's most
valuable mineral deposits. Recent oil exploration has also
discovered huge reserves of oil in the country; a discovery that
will secure the financial independence of Ghana for several
generations. However, it is the production and export of cocoa
beans that has historically been the most important source of
income for Ghana and its people. This growing and relatively
prosperous country is still the world's second largest producer
of cocoa.
Ghana's cocoa production is now in excess of four million tonnes
per year, and the country's output is still growing in the midst
of falling African production. The production of cocoa beans is
thought to employ more than 1,5 million Ghanaians. Despite
increasing exports of oil, gold and bauxite, cocoa is still the
single-most important commodity to the country's economy.
However, the history of Ghana's exporting of cocoa has not
always involved such success. A combination of falling prices,
drought and political problems almost stopped production
completely during the 1980s. Farmers were struggling to make
ends meet in the midst of collapsing commodity prices. However,
intervention from the International Monetary Fund allowed the
country to recover during the 1990s. Indeed, Ghanaian cocoa
production doubled between the years of 2001 and 2003.
Part of Ghana's enduring success in the production and exporting
of cocoa beans must be attributed to the Ghana Cocoa Board.
Established in 1947, the organisation is responsible for quality
control, the welfare of farmers, the protection of the
environment and the stabilisation of commodity prices. The
success of the board led to it becoming responsible for the
production and worldwide marketing of Ghanaian coffee. It also
oversees research into new production, harvesting and irrigation
techniques. The Ghana Cocoa Board is also responsible for the
issuing of expert licences to individual farms. All producers
must prove they have been selling cocoa to the domestic market
for at least two years before an export licence can be issued.
They must also be capable of delivering a minimum of ten
thousand tonnes of beans every year. Representatives from the
board will also visit each farm to ensure that the facilities
and expertise in operation are of the highest standard. These
checks ensure that all of Ghana's cocoa exports are high in
quality; preserving the reputation of the country as one of the
world's leading cocoa producers.