Osman Yakubu is the 2017 National Best Cocoa Farmer
Osman Yakubu, the 2017 National Best Cocoa Farmer, has commended the government and COCOBOD for increasing the price of cocoa from GH₵3,228 per bag to GH₵3,625.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency in an interview a day after the announcement of the new price, the 2017 laureate said the new price was welcome since farmers had been disappointed in the earlier price announced in August this year.
“This is refreshing news for us as farmers because it really meets our expectations,” he said.
Meanwhile, he urged the government to ensure that prices of agrochemicals and labour came down so that farmers could afford to buy more supplies in addition to what COCOBOD provided.
Yakubu also appealed to the government to improve irrigation systems, especially in cocoa-growing areas, to ensure year-round farming and increase production for both domestic consumption and export.
On the issue of galamsey, the 2017 Best Cocoa Farmer appealed to the government, traditional authorities, and the media to work together to end the menace, considering the destruction it has caused to river bodies and the environment at large.
He further urged cocoa farmers to desist from giving out their farmlands to illegal miners for money and instead consider the long-term benefits of cocoa to the nation and to future generations.