COCOA CITY EXPERIENCE CONTINUES WITH COCOA SYMPOSIUM

The 2025 Cocoa City Experience continued in grand style as the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly hosted a Cocoa Symposium, bringing together key stakeholders in the cocoa value chain to discuss opportunities, challenges, and the future of cocoa production in the Municipality and Ghana at large.

The symposium, held at the WATICO Auditorium, attracted cocoa farmers, traditional leaders, students, industry experts, agronomists, cooperatives, and representatives from key institutions including COCOBOD, Ghana Tourism Authority, and the private sector. The event served as an important platform for knowledge sharing, policy dialogue, and the celebration of the Municipality’s longstanding contribution to Ghana’s cocoa industry.

In his welcome address, Hon. Dominic Gyasi (MCE) highlighted that the Cocoa Symposium is a central component of the Cocoa City Experience designed to deepen public understanding of the cocoa sector, promote innovation, and position Sefwi Wiawso as a hub for cocoa research, agribusiness, and tourism. Participants were taken through presentations on best farming practices, cocoa diseases and pest control, climate-smart agriculture, value addition, and the global cocoa market.

Speakers encouraged farmers to adopt modern techniques to boost productivity, improve bean quality, and increase their income levels. They also emphasized the need for environmental sustainability, responsible land use, and the protection of water bodies, given the growing threat of illegal mining in cocoa-growing regions.

A special session was dedicated to value addition, where entrepreneurs showcased cocoa-based products such as cocoa beverages, soaps, body lotions, chocolate snacks, and confectionery. Students from selected schools also participated in an interactive learning segment to inspire the next generation of cocoa innovators.

Participants praised the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly for organizing such an insightful event, noting that the symposium has broadened their understanding of the cocoa value chain and opened doors for collaboration and business opportunities.

The Cocoa City Experience continues with more activities lined up, aimed at promoting culture, education, tourism, and local economic development while celebrating Sefwi Wiawso’s pride as Ghana’s renowned “Cocoa City.”