The Ghana Cocoa Monitor (GCM) is pleased to announce the successful inauguration of its Steering Committee, held on December 3, 2025, at the FAO Conference Room. The newly inaugurated committee brings together representatives from the public sector, private sector, civil society, development partners, and academia to guide the strategic direction of the GCM over the next six months.
Steering Committee Members
Public Sector
- Dr. Isaac Manu – Ghana Cocoa Board
- Ms. Abena Annobea Asare (Co-Chair) – Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
Private Sector
- Dr. Mawuli Coffie (Co-Chair) – World Cocoa Foundation
-
Mr. Ernest Dwamena – Touton Ghana
Civil Society
- Nana Kwasi Barning Ackah – SEND GHANA
-
Albert Toose – Agro Eco
Development Partners
- Mr. Jeroen Verheul – Netherlands Ambassador
-
Ashwini Sebastian – World Bank
Academia
- Prof. Robert Aidoo – KNUST
First Meeting Outcomes
Following its inauguration, the Steering Committee held its first meeting to establish leadership and define strategic priorities for the first half of the year. Through a transparent voting process, two co-chairs were elected to guide the committee’s work and ensure representation of diverse stakeholder interests.
Strategic Priorities (Next 6mths)
1. Environmental Priorities
- Management of Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD)
- Identification of illegal mining hotspot areas
2. Economic Priorities
- Improving access to inputs for cocoa farmers.
- Enhancing labour access for cocoa farmers.
3. Social Priorities
- Assessing child labour hotspot areas
- Promoting youth engagement in the cocoa sector
4. Cross-Cutting Priorities
- Sensitization, communication, and advocacy about the GCM across stakeholder groups.
- Development of a long-term strategy for Ghana’s cocoa sector
Call for Participation – Technical Working Groups (TWGs)
All stakeholders are encouraged to join one or two Technical Working Groups within the next ten days. The TWGs will hold their inaugural meetings in two weeks, with details on the date, time, and venue to be communicated soon.
Contact info
Nana Kwasi Barning Ackah
Programme Officer / Coordinator, GCCP
Email: NanaKwesi@sendwestafrica.org
Mobile: +233 24 745 2948
Office: +233 302 716830/60
SEND GHANA, A28 Regimanuel Estate, Nungua Barrier, Accra
GPS: GZ‑065‑1941
