Accra, July 14, GNA - Ghana is on the verge of regaining her position as the second largest cocoa producer in the world. Sources at the on-going International Workshop on the Utilization of

Cocoa By-Products in Accra told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that a planned and sustained approach by the Ghana Cocoa Board, government and other stakeholders would bring this to fruition probably before the end of the year.

Ghana was the leading cocoa producer until 1972 when it lost the position to neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire and dropped further to the third position behind Indonesia last year.

Ghana's cocoa production in the last few years stalled at the 400,000 metric tons mark. The figure has, however, hiked to about 430,000 metric tons and is expected to hit the 470,000 metric tons by next year.

The Workshop is under the theme: "Enhancing Farmers' Income Through the Processing of Cocoa By-Products," with the objective of discussing the results of the Cocoa By-Products Project in Ghana and its potential benefits for farmers and entrepreneurs.

The source however, noted that it was important not to just flood the market through increased production only to become "first producer".

"We must be looking at the impact that this would have on our hardworking farmers, who invariably may lose the right prices that they otherwise should have received."

Government last October increased the producer price to 8.5 million cedis per tonne (631,259 cedis per bag) from 6.2 million cedis per tonne (387,500 cedis per bag).