Cocoa Producers Alliance (COPAL)
Ghana is a founding member of the Cocoa Producers Alliance which was established in 1961. The idea of co-operation among cocoa producers in pursuing a joint marketing policy was first mooted in 1959. This was followed by a tripartite meeting in Accra in 1960 between Ghana, Brazil and Nigeria under the chairmanship of Mr. K.A Gbedemah, the then Finance Minister of Ghana. The charter, formally establishing Cocoa Producers Alliance was adopted in 1962 in Abidjan, with Ghana, Brazil, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ivory Coast.
Ghana remains a key member of the Alliance up to date. The Ghana Cocoa Marketing Company (UK) represents Ghana at COPAL meetings that are held in London.
International Cocoa Organisation (ICCO)
Ghana is a prominent member of ICCO and hold positions at various subsidiary committees of the organisation. The International Cocoa Organisation was established to administer the International Cocoa Agreement in 1972. This was the work of the FAO cocoa study group which led the United Nations Conference to negotiate International Cocoa Agreement. The conference under United Nations Conference on Trade and Development convened a meeting in September, 1972 to adopt the agreement forming the ICCO. The first Executive Director was Mr. U.K Hackman, the Executive Chairman of Ghana Cocoa Board and was succeeded by Dr. K.G Erbynn, also from Ghana Cocoa Board. The Cocoa Marketing Company (UK) represents Ghana at ICCO meetings.
