WOMEN WHO SHAPE GHANA’S COCOA FUTURE: NANA AKYAA NANTIE – A TRAILBLAZER IN COCOA FARMING

Date: 07th March 2026

By Rhoda Onyinah (Public Affairs Department)

As the world celebrates International Women’s Day, women across Ghana’s cocoa sector are being recognised for their remarkable contributions to agriculture and rural livelihoods. One such woman is Nana Akyaa Nantie of Barekese in the Ashanti Region, one of the country’s few female District Chief Cocoa Farmers in a field traditionally dominated by men.

Nana Akyaa ventured into cocoa farming at the age of 25, taking over a farm established by her grandmother after financial challenges prevented her from continuing her education beyond middle school.

Through dedication and strict adherence to recommended agronomic practices promoted by the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), she built a successful farming career and earned the trust and confidence of fellow farmers, who later selected her as the District Chief Cocoa Farmer for Barekese.

Today, she oversees thousands of farmers organised into 19 cooperative groups across communities extending to parts of Mankranso and Offinso. Under her leadership, about ten farmers from the district have won various farming awards, reflecting the impact of her mentorship and commitment to good agricultural practices.

Beyond cocoa production, Nana Akyaa is a strong advocate for women’s participation in agriculture. Her encouragement has led to the formation of several women-led farmer cooperatives in communities such as Kapora and Amakye Bare, where women cultivate cocoa alongside food crops to support their families and improve household incomes.

As a traditional leader within the Adu Nana family of the Asenie clan of Asantes, Nana Akyaa continues to support initiatives that empower women and strengthen families.

She also promotes community wellbeing, serving as a certified reproductive health and women’s rights advocate while championing education and the fight against child labour.

With two cocoa farms covering over 30 acres, Nana Akyaa believes cocoa remains a powerful legacy for future generations.

Her message to women on International Women’s Day is simple yet powerful: women should pursue land ownership, participate actively in farming, and build financial independence to support their children’s education and secure a lasting legacy for their families.