Purchases

Cocoa purchases in Ghana has undergone a series of transformation, through a unitary system to multiple systems back to unitary system; until in the early 1990s when the multiple systems in operation currently was settled upon. By far it is the system that has the good test of time and appears workably acceptable by both initiators i.e. Government and Cocobod on one hand, and Buyers and Farmers on the other hand.

The Government of Ghana through a legislative instrument i.e. PNDC Law 81, mandated COCOBOD to introduce a multiple purchasing system in early 1990. By this instrument, COCOBOD was tasked to implement rules and regulations guiding the conduct of this innovation. Hence the concept of internal marketing of Cocoa in Ghana. In the process, companies are expected to apply for license to buy cocoa for Cocobod. They are passed through processes such as interviews, inspection of sheds, logistics, scrutiny of statement of account to ensure financial capability etc. successful companies are granted license to buy Cocoa under the supervision of Cocobod.

Hans Nef Cocoa Limited being a new company, currently has seven operational districts. They are: Goaso, Bogoso, Wasa Akropong, Breman Asikuma, Akim Oda, Asamankese and Nkawkaw. Notwithstanding, Hans Nef Company has decided to spread its tentacles to three other districts to enhance its cocoa purchases which are; Assin Fosu, Kasapin and Assin Breku.

The company purchases cocoa from farmers within its operational Districts through commissioned Purchasing Clerks who are to ensure and also to insist on quality standards. The beans purchased are graded and sealed by Quality Control Company according to export standards set by COCOBOD.

The graded-bagged beans are then transported from District Depots to the designated take-over-centres at either Tema, Takoradi or Kaase where Cocoa Marketing Company (the world’s largest single seller and exporters of premium cocoa) takes over the consignment. Statistics show that Switzerland uses about 64% of imported quality cocoa beans from Ghana to produce ‘sweet’ chocolates. Hans Nef Cocoa Ltd acquired its operational or final license from COCOBOD in November 2018 and started purchases in the same month.

Hans Nef Cocoa Ltd being a new company which obtained its final license about five (5) months ago, has been able to purchase not less than 500 metric tons of cocoa. The company is looking forward to buying more in order to attain a greater percentage of the market share.