WE PRIORITIZED FARMER WELFARE TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABILITY – COCOBOD BOSS

Date: 10th September 2024

The Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board, Hon. Joseph Boahen Aidoo has emphasised why the welfare and sustainability of cocoa farmers have remained a key focus of his administration over the past 8 years. 

According to Hon. Aidoo, every decision taken concerning the cocoa sector over the past 8years was aimed at bringing financial relief to cocoa farmers to make cocoa farming more attractive and lucrative.

The Chief Executive made these statements when he addressed some national and regional cocoa farmer associations across all 7 cocoa regions at Kumasi ahead of the new crop season.

“The introduction of the pension scheme, introduction of PEPs, introduction of CMS, and formation of farmer cooperatives among others are all to your advantage and the sector’s growth. Therefore, I will not do anything that will tarnish my administration’s reputation,” he explained.

According to him, the government’s contribution towards the sector over the past years has been top-notch despite some human factors that continue to affect the country’s cocoa production every year.

“Our current production is around 450 metric tonnes. Cocoa smuggling, unfavourable weather conditions and galamsey have really caused a lot of harm to the industry”, he added.

“The 2024/2025 crop season and the years ahead look very promising in terms of production, as a lot of the rehabilitated farms will begin to produce so much, so we look forward to a more sustained sector,” he assured.

Highlighting the new financing mechanism for the 2024/25 Crop Season, Hon Aidoo stated that, the industry will finance about 60% of its cocoa purchases for the season and the remaining 40%, through syndication loans, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for Ghana's cocoa sector.

“We want to break away from the 32 years of borrowing from foreign banks to buy cocoa from our farmers. We have planned it for years and it is time to take that bold decision, if you haven’t heard of any syndication for this year it is because we are financing 60%,” he stressed.

Hon. Aidoo also stated that cocoa farmers who do not adhere to good agronomic practices in their farming operations will not enjoy increased productivity.

“Prune your farm, pollinate, apply fertilizer and also listen to your extension agent when they come to educate you, always reach out to them for clarification regarding your farming activities and see the result when it is time to harvest” " he said.

The Chief Executive encouraged cocoa farmers to show their maximum support to his administration and assured them of a brighter future and a more sustainable industry in years to come.