The Wassa Amenfi Cocoa Landscape Initiative (WACLI) has mapped out a plan to bring GHS 9.6 million into the region's crucial cocoa sector. This initiative focuses on making cocoa farming smarter and more sustainable.
The project stems from a multi-stakeholder workshop held in June 2026. It aims to fix problems like falling cocoa yields and ongoing poverty among farmers. The plan will also boost forest protection and make livelihoods more resilient to climate change.
This effort fits into Ghana’s larger economic story. The cocoa industry is a major source of foreign currency for the nation. However, production has faced challenges in recent years due to factors like aging trees and climate impacts. WACLI's approach seeks to reverse these trends with targeted investments and modern farming methods.
Dr. Daniel Addo-Danso described the workshop's purpose. It revisited existing issues and identified new ones causing problems. The focus is on creating practical solutions for cocoa production and farmer poverty. Mr. Clifford Quartey, the Municipal Statistician for Wassa Amenfi West, stated that the platform's aims match the municipality’s development vision. This led to the platform being added to the Municipal Assembly’s Medium-Term Development Plan for 2026–2030.
The WACLI project, funded by the Danida Green Business Partnerships of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to combat deforestation and poverty. It uses a responsible sourcing model tailored for cocoa communities. This model relies on research and collaboration among many groups. Nana Yepah, Secretary of the Akyekyere Stool Lands, emphasized the value of these meetings. He noted that they allow chiefs and communities to share views and learn about new ideas like finance and agroforestry. Participants worked in groups focused on governance, finance, and technical aspects to find specific solutions.
The initiative will push for better cocoa agroforestry systems. It also plans to safeguard the environment and develop income streams for farmers. These include both activities on farms and other ventures. The meeting gathered a wide range of people. This included the project teams, the Wassa Amenfi Municipal Assembly, government bodies, private companies, charities, and local communities. Traditional leaders, farmer groups, and women’s organizations also participated. Their combined efforts are key to the project's success. The project envisions a future where cocoa farming supports both the environment and the people it sustains. The integration into the municipal plan ensures long-term commitment. This initiative represents a significant step towards a more robust and sustainable future for Ghana's cocoa landscape.