COCOBOD relaunches free fertilizer programme to ‘reset’ cocoa sector

The ruling government’s Reset Agenda got a major push last Friday when the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) relaunched its Free Fertilizer Distribution programme at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North region.

Themed: “Cocoa Sector Reset: Free Fertilizer for Increased Productivity and Improved Farmer Income”, the initiative replaces the previous 50% government fertilizer subsidy arrangement with a fully free distribution model.

Under the programme, COCOBOD has procured 3.5 million bags of granular fertilizer nationwide, with about 1.5 million bags distributed already in the initial rollout.

The programme, has targeted local districts including Sefwi Boako, Juaboso and Bibiani.

The Cocoa Management System (CMS) will manage the programme to prevent smuggling, favoritism and diversion to open markets, distribution for which farmers must verify their identity using a Ghana Card, farmer ID, or biometrics and allocations are automatically calculated based on mapped farm sizes.

Besides the free fertilizer, the initiative promises increased allowances for cocoa mass spraying gangs, distribution of spraying machines, and other farm maintenance inputs.

COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr. Randy Abbey said moving from a 50 per cent subsidy to free inputs is part of broader reforms to revitalise the Cocoa sector and raise farmer incomes.

He noted that from 50 percent subsidy to free fertilizer is a total Reset of the cocoa industry under a cost sharing arrangement.

He warned against smugglers and saboteurs saying the days of diverting inputs meant for our farmers are over and any officer, buyer, or individual found diverting, hoarding, reselling, or smuggling these inputs will be dealt with according to the law.

Dr. Abbey assured farmers that COCOBOD has adopted an aggressive strategy to address the threats of Cacao Swollen Shoot disease (CCVD), a destructive plant disease which infects cocoa trees and thus reduce production by 15 to 70 percent.

He also announced that his outfit will roll out scholarship for wards of cocoa farmer effective the 2027/28 academic year.

The Chairman of COCOBOD Board, Dr. Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo added that the government has renewed its commitment to directly support cocoa farmers by supplying about 27,000 new pneumatic and motorised spraying machines this year, bringing the national fleet to roughly 67,000 machines supported by 5.7 million litres of pre-mixed fuel to help cocoa farmers improve yields and earnings.

“We cannot expect increased national cocoa production without investing adequately in the farms and supporting the farmers who cultivate them,” Ofosu-Ampofo said.

He said 1.8 million litres of liquid fertilizers and 2.3 million litres of insecticides and fungicide have been provided.

Dr. Ofosu-Ampofo announced that 89,000 PPEs including Wellington boots, overall coats, overcoat, respirators and goggles have been provided for all Chief farmers.

He said 14 new premix stations with capacity of 40,000 litres each amounting to 560,000 litres have been established while nine 40-foot containers ate to be placed at vantage points to facilitate access of agro inputs by farmers.

The Board Chairman also announced that new laws have been passed to protect farmers and the cocoa industry and that under the new law COCOBOD permission and approval will be sought before cocoa trees are cut down.

Mr. Gilbert Petty Bentum, the Regional Minister said the relaunch of the free fertilizer programme underscores the government’s commitment to revitalise the Cocoa industry.

The Regional Minister noted that the programme will relieve farmers of cost which could be channelled to other needs and urged farmers to use fertilizers prudently to derive maximum benefits.

Nana Kwesi Fori, Central Regional Chief farmer, representing the Ghana Cocoa Coffee Sheabutter Farmers Association (COCOSHE), noted that access to fertilizer is critical to better farm input emphasising that increased cocoa production go hand in hand with inputs.

He called for effective implementation by ensuring equitable distribution.

Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, Acting President of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, who presided over the launching ceremony described the initiative as a beacon of hope and commended COCOBOD for recognising the role of farmers and supporting them through the initiative and other incentives.

Nana Ahenkan who doubles as the Krontihene of Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area and Chief of Bonzain suggested timely supply of fertilizers and other farm inputs will avoid waste and losses.

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