The Grading and Sealing Department is responsible for the quality assessment and certification of cocoa beans throughout Ghana's supply chain. Operating from district depots to national warehouses, QCC inspectors ensure only compliant produce enters the export pipeline — safeguarding Ghana's premium cocoa reputation in international markets.
Cocoa Quality Standards
QCC's grading function assesses cocoa beans delivered by farmers and Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) against Ghana's established quality standards. All produce must satisfy each of the following parameters before it is eligible for export certification.
- Well harvested and thoroughly dried
- Free from extraneous matter and foreign objects
- No aflatoxin contamination detected
- Reasonable freedom from broken beans, fragments and fermented beans
- Uniform sizing — homogeneous bean dimensions
- Correctly fermented to declared grade standard
Inspection & Certification of Storage Facilities
The department inspects and certifies cocoa storage facilities operated by Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC). This ensures that beans held in storage are maintained under conditions that protect their certified quality grade until collection.
- Structural integrity and pest exclusion review
- Temperature and humidity condition monitoring
- Record-keeping and lot traceability verification
- Certification of compliant storage facilities for licensed operators
Grading at Source and National Depots
Cocoa collected from primary LBC buying stations is sampled and graded by qualified QCC field staff. Lots meeting Grade 1 or Grade 2 parameters are certified accordingly. QCC maintains inspection operations at national depots in Takoradi, Accra and Bonsa, ensuring quality is validated at every point prior to shipment.
- Grade 1 and Grade 2 classification by trained QCC inspectors
- Physical, moisture and defect parameter checks
- Quality verification at primary buying stations and national depots
- Pre-shipment inspection to confirm grade integrity
- Inspection of other agricultural produce including shea and offre
Disinfestation Activities
The department is responsible for the disinfestation of cocoa held by LBCs and the Cocoa Marketing Company when infestation is detected. QCC also extends disinfestation services to ports, harbour authorities and other public and private sector clients.
- LBC and CMC cocoa store disinfestation on detection of infestation
- Approved fumigation protocols meeting international export requirements
- Disinfestation services for ports, hospitals and other institutions at competitive rates
- Post-treatment monitoring, clearance and certification
Field Operations Division
QCC's Field Operations division deploys inspection and disinfestation teams consistently across all operating zones. Staff are assigned to district buying stations and regional collection centres to maintain the integrity of Ghana's cocoa at every stage of the supply chain.
- Inspection services at district and regional level
- Disinfestation operations coordination across all zones
- Quality data reporting to QCC central records
- Liaison with LBCs and CMC on quality compliance requirements