Unlocking Sustainable Cocoa: Experts Call for Collaborative Low-Carbon Solutions in Ghana’s Climate Talks – MyJoyOnline

Ghana’s cocoa industry faces a serious challenge: the environmental impact of cocoa processing. Factories are releasing carbon emissions and waste that harm both the atmosphere and the land. Experts are calling for a shift towards greener practices, focusing on energy efficiency and waste management to contribute to Ghana’s climate goals.

This urgent issue was highlighted recently at a climate dialogue hosted by the German Embassy, titled “Green Cocoa Processing: Energy Efficiency and Waste Management,” held at FairAfric Factory. Participants discussed innovative ways to transform cocoa waste into renewable energy and improve processing efficiency.

Frederik Landshoft, the German Ambassador-Designate to Ghana, emphasized the need for private sector involvement. He stated, “The public sector cannot deliver alone. The private sector must step up with innovation and technology.” This collaboration is vital for making Ghana a leader in sustainable cocoa production.

Meanwhile, deforestation poses another significant risk. Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire supply most of the world’s cocoa, but their forests are disappearing as more farmland is created. This loss not only threatens wildlife but also disrupts natural carbon capture processes, worsening global warming.

Eric Dickson Amengor from the Ghana Cocoa Board explained that they are working alongside farmers to promote climate-smart practices. “We teach farmers sustainable methods like mass pruning, which can boost yields without clearing more forest,” he said.

FairAfric’s Managing Director, Micheal Marmon-Halm, pointed out the link between farmer income and deforestation. Low pay often pushes farmers to expand into forest reserves. “If farmers earn less, they may cut down trees to plant more cocoa,” he explained.

Letitia Abra-Kom Nyaaba from the Ghana National Cleaner Production Center stressed the need for collaboration between regulators and processors. “Together, we can find sustainable solutions rather than viewing each other as adversaries,” she said. This type of teamwork is crucial for maintaining quality and sustainability in cocoa processing.

Recent statistics show that Ghana’s cocoa industry supports over 800,000 farmers, making its success vital to the country’s economy. Embracing sustainable practices is essential not just for the environment but for the livelihoods of many families. The future of cocoa in Ghana relies heavily on how quickly stakeholders adopt these green practices. If successful, the industry can thrive while also protecting the planet.

For more insights on sustainability in cocoa production, you can refer to reports from trusted sources like the [Cocoa Sustainability Partnership](https://www.cocoasustainabilitypartnership.org).

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