COCOBOD HOLDS FIRST POST-BILL PASSAGE FARMERS RALLY AT KONONGO

Date: 15th August 2026

Barely a week after the passage of the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, cocoa farmers from Juaben, Asiwa, Juaso and Konongo in the Ashanti Region have engaged directly with officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) on the new legislation and its implications for farmers and the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry.

Held at Konongo, the rally was the first major farmers’ engagement in the cocoa regions following the passage of the Bill and formed part of COCOBOD’s ongoing stakeholder education and sensitisation programme.

The discussions were led by the Executive Director of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), Dr. Richard Adu Acheampong, and Deputy Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Benjamin Larweh, who took participants through key provisions of the new legislation and provided clarification on issues of concern to farmers.

The platform also provided farmers with the opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification and express their views on the new law and other issues affecting cocoa production and their livelihoods.

Farmers actively participated in the discussions and welcomed the opportunity to engage directly with COCOBOD officials. They called for sustained education and consultation to ensure that farmers fully understand the provisions of the new legislation and its implications for the cocoa sector.

The engagement forms part of COCOBOD’s broader stakeholder education campaign following the passage of the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, with a focus on taking accurate information to the grassroots, addressing misconceptions and strengthening dialogue with cocoa farmers.

The meeting was also attended by key local stakeholders, including the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Asante Akim North, Hon. Sarah Amoako; the District Coordinating Director and Presiding Member of the Asante Akim Central District Assembly; the Ashanti Region COCOSHE Secretary; and the Konongo District Chief Farmer.

COCOBOD remains committed to ensuring that cocoa farmers are adequately informed and meaningfully engaged as the new legislation is implemented.