GHANA HIGH COMMISSIONER TO THE UK REAFFIRMS GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO IMPROVING COCOA FARMERS' LIVELIHOOD

Date: 26th October 2026

Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Her Excellency Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, has reaffirmed the need to place cocoa farmers at the centre of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s cocoa industry and improve their livelihoods.

Speaking at a reception held in honor of the 2025 National  best cocoa farmers, at the Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom, Mrs. Zita Benson congratulated the award-winning farmers on behalf of the President and the people of Ghana, commending their dedication and invaluable contribution to national development.

She highlighted the international reputation of Ghanaian cocoa for its quality and rich agricultural heritage, noting that this recognition was built on the hard work of farmers whose efforts sustain families, support the national economy and connect Ghana to global markets.

Acknowledging the challenges facing farmers, ranging from changing weather patterns, rising production costs, pests and diseases attack, and fluctuating international prices, the High Commissioner  touted ongoing sustainable programmes and practices being implemented by government to improve farmers’ livelihoods. 

She hailed the most outstanding policy development in the new Cocoa Board Act,2026 to ensure farmers receive not less than 70% of the prevailing market price, including  commitments to providing free fertilisers and improved hybrid seedlings, strengthening pest and disease control, and rehabilitating affected farms.

She stressed that the success of Ghana’s cocoa industry must translate into tangible benefits for farmers, emphasising that sustainability should encompass both environmental protection and decent livelihoods and called for stronger collaboration  between Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), farmers, buyers, processors, researchers, investors and consumers to secure the industry’s future.

Reflecting on the farmers’ visit to the United Kingdom, Mrs. Benson expressed hope that the experience has broadened their perspectives and created valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and international partnerships. 

She encouraged the outstanding farmers to share  their knowledgeable experiences with their colleagues, mentor more youth to take up interest in  projects and careers in the cocoa value chain and promote best farming practices in their communities.

She further urged Ghanaians living in the United Kingdom to support the cocoa sector through investments, partnerships and knowledge sharing, while encouraging the next generation to view cocoa farming as a profession of dignity, opportunity and national importance.

The High Commissioner further expressed Ghana’s profound gratitude to cocoa farmers for their dedication, describing their contribution as essential to the country’s prosperity, agricultural heritage and future development.

“Ghana is deeply grateful. Ghana salutes you. Ayekoo, ayekoo, ayekoo!” she proclaimed.