COCOBOD Reiterates Commitment To Cocoa Farmers Welfare

The Ghana Cocoa Board has reiterated its commitment to improving welfare of cocoa farmers through support programs, extension services and fair pricing to sustain cocoa production and improve livelihoods in the country.

According to GBC Ghana Online which reported on October 25, the Board said cocoa remains a key foreign exchange earner for Ghana and that supporting farmers is essential to maintain production levels, improve rural livelihoods and sustain the economy.

The Board is distributing improved seedlings, fertilizers, agrochemicals and extension services to farmers in cocoa growing areas including Ashanti, Western North, Western South and Eastern regions to boost productivity.

According to CitiNewsroom which reported on October 24, officials said the Board has introduced measures to control cocoa swollen shoot disease and to rehabilitate affected farms to restore productivity, protect incomes and secure future production.

The rehabilitation program includes cutting affected trees, replanting with disease resistant and early maturing varieties, and providing compensation and livelihood support to affected farmers during the replanting period.

According to Graphic Online which reported on October 24, COCOBOD is also working to improve access to markets and to reduce challenges faced by farmers in transporting cocoa beans from remote farms to buying centers, especially during rainy seasons.

The Board is collaborating with licensed buying companies, farmer cooperatives and transport unions to ensure that farmers receive fair prices, accurate weighing and prompt payment for their produce and that smuggling is reduced.

According to GhanaWeb which reported on October 24, cocoa farmers have welcomed the support but called for increased producer price, improved feeder road networks, availability of inputs and access to affordable credit to expand production and improve incomes.

The Board said it is also promoting child labor free cocoa production, sustainable farming practices, agroforestry and environmental protection to meet international standards and to improve Ghana’s reputation in the global cocoa market.

Cocoa production has faced challenges including climate change impacts, disease outbreaks, illegal mining activities and smuggling that affect output, quality and farmer incomes across producing regions.

The Ghana Cocoa Board says it remains committed to ensuring that cocoa farming remains profitable, attractive to young people and that Ghana maintains its position as a leading producer of premium quality cocoa beans for the world market.

The ongoing support programs are expected to help increase yields, improve farmer incomes, create jobs and sustain the cocoa sector which supports millions of Ghanaians directly and indirectly along the value chain.

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