ACCRA, NOVEMBER 2019 — The World Cocoa Foundation (WCF) has officially ranked Ghana’s cocoa as the world’s top-quality cocoa, placing it 1st in the 2025 Global Cocoa Quality Index.
The recognition highlights Ghana’s unwavering commitment to rigorous quality testing, scientific innovation, and the continuous strengthening of food safety standards that exceed global benchmarks.
According to the Foundation’s report, Ghana stood out for its analytical precision, strict regulatory oversight, and consistent enforcement of internationally recognized quality control systems.
The Global Cocoa Quality Index also ranked Ecuador 2nd, citing notable advancements in post-harvest fermentation techniques and flavor profiling systems. Côte d’Ivoire secured 3rd place, recognized for significant improvements in pesticide monitoring frameworks and traceability reforms.
While both countries were commended for their growing commitment to sustainability and innovation within the cocoa value chain, Ghana remained the clear leader in regulatory rigor and laboratory excellence.
In a statement, Dr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), praised the historic achievement and emphasized the dedication behind it.
“This remarkable achievement is the result of the tireless dedication and professionalism of our quality assurance and analytical teams. Their commitment to adopting stricter testing standards, developing innovative analytical methods, and enforcing rigorous monitoring protocols has positioned Ghana’s cocoa as the global benchmark for purity and quality. It is a proud moment for Ghana, our farmers, and the entire cocoa value chain.”
The ranking reinforces Ghana’s reputation as a global benchmark in cocoa excellence and strengthens confidence among international buyers, investors, and chocolate manufacturers worldwide.
Industry analysts say the recognition is expected to enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in global markets, attract further investment into quality improvement initiatives, and solidify the country’s leadership position within the international cocoa industry.