Grapevine

Ghana Cocoa Traceability System: A new era for sustainable cocoa sourcing

Tracing cocoa beans from the farm to the port of shipment is now a reality in Ghana with the introduction of the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System (GCTS).

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) initiated this system as part of its digital transformation, with its development fast-tracked to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which takes effect in December 2024.

The EUDR, enacted in 2023, ensures that key commodities traded in Europe, such as cocoa beans, are sourced without contributing to deforestation and are free from child labour violations.

The GCTS pilot in Assin Fosu through the Cocoa Management System has over 40,000 mapped farms and more than 20,000 registered farmers, 40% of whom are women.

During the 2023/2024 lean season, over 1,230 bags (77.3 tons) of sustainable cocoa were successfully purchased, graded, and shipped via the system.