NATIONAL BEST FARMERS EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO GOV’T FOR INVESTMENTS IN COCOA

Date: 19th January 2024

The President of the National Best Farmers Association, Nana Charles Gyamfi has commended the President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and his administration for the investments in the cocoa sector over the past 7 years.

According to the 2019 National Best Farmer, the introduction of several innovative policies such as the Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme, Cocoa Management System, (CMS) and the recent increases in cocoa prices are a demonstration of the President’s commitment towards improving the lives of cocoa farmers and the industry.

Nana Gyamfi observed further that despite the challenges the industry encountered during the 2022/2023 crop season, cocoa farmers have seen enormous improvement in their socioeconomic conditions as a result of the continuous commitment and competent leadership of the current management of Ghana Cococa Board (COCOBOD).   

He made these remarks in a statement delivered on behalf of the association during a courtesy call on the President at the Jubilee House in Accra.

”Through your visionary leadership and unwavering dedication, your government has demonstrated a profound understanding of the importance of cocoa farming for our nation's economy and has tirelessly championed the cause of cocoa farmers, ensuring that their voices and concerns are heard at the highest levels of governance,” He said.

According to him, the introduction of the Cocoa Farmers Pension Scheme was very commendable, stressing that the scheme will help ensure financial stability for cocoa farmers upon their retirement.

He further added, “the provision of subsidized fertilizers and other agricultural inputs have helped to boost yields, improved the cocoa business and made it lucrative for the youth to venture into the cocoa sector.”

He hinted that farmers’ battle against the deadly Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD) could not have been successful without the courageous implementation of the National Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme, as most of his colleague farmers in the Western North Region who abandoned their farms have all returned and are now doing profitable business on their farms.

Touching on illegal mining, Nana Gyamfi said, the galamsey activities in some parts of the cocoa regions, specifically, the Western South region have destroyed a chunk of cocoa farms resulting in low output and destruction of farmers’ means of livelihood.

On his part, President Akuffo-Addo also commended the association for rallying behind the Management of COCOBOD in creating a very vibrant and resilient cocoa sector.

Crediting the management of COCOBOD, led by Hon Joseph Boahen Aidoo, for the successes chalked in the cocoa sector, the President urged the farmers to continue to work hard in order to sustain the gains made so far.

“Thank you for the accolades, but I must say, these wo uldn’t have been possible if Hon Aidoo failed me after his appointment, so all praises go to the management of COCOBOD,” he added. 

President Akuffo-Addo further encouraged the farmers to support the management of COCOBOD to build a more stable sector for the benefit of all farmers across the sector.