The Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) has launched a 24-hour operational model to improve the movement of cocoa across Ghana’s logistics and export value chain. This significant change aims to enhance efficiency and accelerate the country's cocoa exports.
The initiative, led by CMC Managing Director Wisdom Kofi Dogbey, operates under three main pillars: Offload 24, Load 24, and Export 24. It forms a key part of President John Dramani Mahama’s broader 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme. The new model directly addresses previous delays caused by traditional working hours, which often led to congestion and extended waiting periods for cocoa trucks.
This strategic shift fits into Ghana's larger economic narrative of boosting productivity and non-traditional exports. Ghana, a major global cocoa producer, seeks to maximize its export potential and support local value addition. The move aligns with government efforts to diversify the economy and increase foreign exchange earnings, building on existing trade relationships and market demands.
Mr. Dogbey stated that the initiative marks a significant change in CMC’s approach to cocoa logistics, warehousing, processing support, and exports. He emphasized that the world does not stop at 5 p.m. or 4 p.m., and neither should Ghana’s cocoa ambition. This statement highlights the urgency and necessity of adapting to global trade rhythms.
The new operational model will shorten the time between cocoa receipt, loading, and export, improving support for domestic processing. Decision-makers and market participants will closely watch the implementation and its impact on Ghana’s cocoa export volumes and efficiency. This could lead to increased revenue for the country and better returns for cocoa farmers.
Under the Offload 24 pillar, CMC will receive cocoa from Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) around the clock. This aims to significantly reduce truck queues, waiting periods, and congestion at CMC facilities in locations like Tema, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Load 24 will facilitate the supply of cocoa to local processing factories beyond conventional working hours, ensuring a steady supply for domestic value addition.
Export 24 extends cocoa inspection, stuffing, sealing, documentation, and shipment preparation to align with vessel schedules and port operations. This comprehensive approach ensures that cocoa can move seamlessly from farm gates to international markets without unnecessary delays. Mr. Dogbey explained that the 24-Hour Economy does not require individual employees to work continuously for 24 hours. Instead, it involves organizing productive activities around multiple shifts to maximize asset utilization.
The initiative seeks to strengthen logistics integration, improve overall cocoa movement, and enhance coordination among warehouses, factories, ports, and international markets. Mr. Dogbey noted that a chain cannot move faster than its slowest link, and for too long, that link has been the conventional working hours. Removing this constraint is expected to unlock greater efficiency.
Implementation of the program will be monitored using key indicators such as truck turnaround times, volumes handled, documentation efficiency, and shipment performance. CMC urges LBCs to use evening delivery windows and cocoa processing companies to schedule trucks beyond daylight hours. Shipping lines are also encouraged to provide gate-in windows that align with CMC’s extended operating schedule.
The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and security agencies are called upon to support the initiative, ensuring smooth operations. Mr. Dogbey commended the implementation committee, chaired by CMC Deputy Managing Director Jamal Konneh, for their efforts. The new operating model demonstrates Ghana’s readiness to improve productivity, accelerate exports, and compete more effectively in the global cocoa trade, safeguarding the quality and reputation of Ghana’s cocoa.