39TH NATIONAL FARMERS’ DAY MESSAGE

Date: 01st December 2023

By Hon Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive, Ghana Cocoa Board.

The occasion of the 39th National Farmers' Day celebration provides another profound moment to reiterate our deep gratitude and admiration for the relentless dedication of our hardworking farmers across the country.

The Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) extend a warm and heartfelt appreciation to all Ghanaian farmers who, through tireless efforts, contribute to the sustenance of our ever-expanding population.

We wish to particularly recognize and commend the nation’s cocoa, coffee and shea farmers, and also congratulate past winners of our various prestigious awards for continuing to make the cocoa sector a formidable one. For those of you slated to be honoured this year, we say “Ayekoo”.

The cocoa sector remains the bedrock of Ghana's economy, directly employing close to 800,000 farmers and making a significant contribution to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is therefore imperative that we unite in our efforts to sustain this vital sector.

Our unwavering commitment, as the cocoa industry regulator, revolves around the implementation of effective policies and programmes designed to strengthen the cocoa sector and propel the economic prosperity of not only players in the cocoa value chain but the Ghanaian economy as a whole.

The ongoing Productivity Enhancement Programmes (PEPs), which encompass initiatives such as rehabilitation of diseased farms, mass pruning and hand pollination, among others, are yielding positive results.

On our visits to farming communities in the cocoa regions, we have witnessed the fervent embrace of these interventions by farmers, who have collaborated effectively with our dedicated field officers to increase productivity per hectare while adhering to sustainable farming practices.

While commending our farmers on this feat, it remains crucial for us to continue to educate and enlighten other farmers who may hold reservations about these interventions, as their active participation is key to achieving higher yields and improved livelihoods.

Let me add that the Board is keenly considering unburdening itself with the enormous investment made in 7 years in the implementation of these PEPs. We therefore encourage our farmers to adopt these good agronomic projects to increase their farm yields.

This year's theme for the National Farmers Day celebration, "Delivering Smart Solutions for Sustainable Food Security and Resilience," highlights two pivotal responsibilities. First, we must ensure a consistent supply of cocoa beans to both local and international markets while upholding stringent quality standards and food safety protocols. Secondly, this theme harmonizes seamlessly with COCOBOD's core priorities which hinge on ensuring the production of premium-quality cocoa.

Our subsidiary, Quality Control Company Ltd, dedicated to maintaining the quality of cocoa beans, conducts thorough grading and sealing, while our cocoa warehouses are diligently protected against pest infestations. These concerted efforts have earned us a distinguished reputation as the global standard-bearer for measuring cocoa quality.

We are aware of the danger that the current illegal mining (galamsay) menace poses to the sustenance of the cocoa economy. Let us continue to collaborate with relevant state agencies to bring this canker under control.

As we commemorate the 39th edition of the National Farmers' Day, COCOBOD remains committed to recognizing and awarding farmers across various categories, including the National Best Cocoa Farmer, Most Enterprising Female Cocoa Farmer, Most Promising Young Cocoa Farmer, and the National Best Sheanut Picker. These awards illustrate our dedication to acknowledging the invaluable contributions of our farmers while encouraging the younger generation to consider cocoa farming as a viable entrepreneurial endeavour.

The Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme is a major breakthrough in protecting farmers’ interests and future. As you are all aware, registration and enrollment have begun in cocoa communities across the country. Do not let your years of toil go unrewarded. Get enrolled now and enjoy a decent pension.

COCOBOD's steadfast dedication is focused on building a resilient cocoa sector that guarantees the production of premium-quality cocoa, ultimately enhancing the livelihoods of farmers.

Happy 39th National Farmers’ Day!