Anthony Anning

Certification and sustainability specialist with 8+ years of experience delivering cocoa sector programmes focused on farmer compliance, capacity building, and systems strengthening. Proven track record in implementing and improving Internal Management Systems (IMS), designing Training of Trainers (ToT), and driving the adoption of sustainability standards at the smallholder level. Strong capability in monitoring, data analysis, and digital reporting systems to enhance programme effectiveness and audit readiness.

Internal Management System (IMS) Supervisor - Kuapa Kokoo Co-operative Cocoa Farmers & Marketing Union Ltd. - Ghana

(2023-10)

• Supports the implementation of Fairtrade certification across 59 cooperatives, Rainforest Alliance certification across 19 cooperatives, and organic certification across 4 cooperatives, ensuring compliance with certification standards and audit readiness.
• Preparation and review of SOPs, policies, OSPs, certification application forms, Group member register, and other relevant documentation related to certification and sustainability standards implementation, compliance and audit readiness.
• Strengthened IMS by improving internal inspection protocols, contributing to a 15–30% reduction in non-compliance cases during audits.
• Designed and delivered training programmes reaching over 50,000 farmers annually on sustainable and regenerative agriculture, environmental protection, livelihood improvement and ethical labour.
• Facilitated Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions, building the capacity of field certification implementation and compliance officers.
• Led the digitalisation of the KKFU reporting system, improving data accuracy by 20–40% and reducing reporting turnaround time by 30–50%.
• Analyse field data to identify compliance gaps and recommend targeted interventions that improve compliance and audit readiness.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to align implementation with national sustainability and cocoa sector priorities.

Internal Management System (IMS) Officer - Kuapa Kokoo Co-operative Cocoa Farmers & Marketing Union Ltd. - Ghana

(2015-12 - 2023-09)

• Strengthened farmer cooperatives management through documentation, stakeholder engagements, capacity building and improved governance procedures.
• Implemented certification activities across 4 Cooperatives, supporting compliance for over 5,000 farmers.
• Conducted more than 50 farmer training sessions, improving awareness and understanding of certification requirements.
• Supported internal inspections covering over 5000 farms across 4 cooperatives, contributing to successful certification audits.
• Improved farmer compliance readiness, contributing to successful audit outcomes across multiple cycles.
• Strengthened field data systems, reducing inconsistencies and improving decision-making reliability.

MPhil - Climate Change and Integrated Natural Resource Management - CSIR College of Science and Technology (2024-05)

BSc - Agribusiness - University of Energy and Natural Resources (2017-08 - 2019-08)

HND - Agricultural Engineering - Tamale Technical University (2010-10 - 2013-07)