The European Union has dismssed widespread reports in the local media that the Union is banning cocoa imports from Ghana.
The Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaarly, said the EU’s new laws are only targeted at promoting sustainable cocoa production and ensuring that cocoa and other commodities are produced in a socially environmental sustainable way.
His comments follow reports of a purported warning from Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah that Ghana could soon be unable to export cocoa and coffee to Europe due to new legislation.
Speaking during the second Edition of Orange Cocoa Day 2022 in Accra, the European Union Ambassador to Ghana, Irchad Razaarly, said the move must not be seen as a threat to Ghana’s cocoa sector.
“The call for more sustainable cocoa production is growing globally. And our citizens in Europe are increasingly demanding measures for ensuring that cocoa and other commodities are produced in a socially environmental sustainable way. This explains EU’s legislation on afforestation and forest degradation and must not be seen as a threat to Ghana’s cocoa.
“There is no ban on Ghana’s cocoa. On the contrary, we want more of Ghana’s cocoa, and we are in support of Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire amongst all of the producers who meet these requirements,” he said.
The Deputy Dutch Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Katja Lasseur also announced Netherland’s commitment to efficient land use in Ghana.
She revealed that the Netherlands invested a hundred billion Euros in agriculture exports last year.
“Last year alone our total agricultural exports were worth a hundred and ten billion Euros this is made possible amongst other things because stakeholders work to ensure responsible and optimum utilization of land that why we choose this theme because it will help to share our knowledge, technology and investment opportunities to support efficient land use.” she said.
Source: theGhanaianVoice.Com