WOMEN WHO SHAPE GHANA’S COCOA FUTURE: THE WOMAN BEHIND MANY OF WESTERN SOUTH’S AWARD-WINNING COCOA FARMERS

Date: 07th March 2026

By Rhoda Onyinah (Public Affairs Department)

In Ghana’s cocoa sector, the spotlight often shines on farmers who win national awards for excellence in production, innovation and farm management. Yet behind many of these celebrated farmers stands a dedicated extension professional whose technical guidance helps shape their success.

For farmers across several cocoa-growing districts, Winnifred Akua Armah, Principal Technical Officer at the Ghana Cocoa Board’s Western South Regional Office, has become synonymous with discipline in farm management, practical training and unwavering support.

When Winnifred steps onto cocoa farms across the Western South Region, she carries more than extension manuals and training guides. She brings knowledge, hope and determination. As a Regional Extension Officer, she works closely with farmers to improve productivity, promote good agricultural practices and strengthen livelihoods.

What makes Winnifred’s story particularly inspiring is that she is also a new mother. Balancing motherhood with the demanding nature of fieldwork is no easy task, yet she approaches both responsibilities with remarkable dedication and care.

Over her 15 years in the cocoa sector, farmers who have benefited from her technical supervision say her influence has helped transform farms, improve yields and prepare many for national recognition. Despite the challenges of travel, long hours and family responsibilities, Winnifred remains motivated by the positive impact she sees in the lives of farmers.

Turning Training into Results
Farmers often say Winnifred’s approach to extension work is guided by one principle: knowledge must translate into results on the farm.

During her tenure as District Extension Coordinator at Diaso, extension officers worked closely with farmers to ensure that recommended agronomic practices—such as proper pruning, farm sanitation, pest control and soil management—were not only taught but consistently implemented.

The results soon became evident.
In 2020, Peh Raymus emerged as the National Most Promising Young Cocoa Farmer, a recognition many in the district attribute partly to the strong extension support he received during the early stages of his farming journey.

That achievement marked the beginning of a remarkable streak for farmers within the region.

A Growing List of National Winners
Over the years, districts under Winnifred’s supervision have produced a steady stream of national award winners.

In 2021, Nana Kwadwo Amoako from the Manso Amenfi District was named National Best Cocoa Farmer, while Kwame Alex of Huni Valley District won National Most Promising Young Cocoa Farmer.

The following year continued the trend. In 2022, Madam Joyce Dapaah from Aiyinase District won National Most Enterprising Female Cocoa Farmer, while Peter Painstil from Tarkwa District was named National Most Promising Young Cocoa Farmer.

The region’s reputation for producing outstanding farmers remained strong in subsequent years.

In 2023, George Opoku Koduah of Prestea District received the title of National Most Promising Young Cocoa Farmer.

In 2024, two farmers from the region again earned national honours: Madam Yaa Adjeley of Asankragwa District won National Most Enterprising Female Cocoa Farmer, while Kwame Alex returned to the national stage to become National Best Cocoa Farmer.

Most recently, in 2025, Kwasi Sei from Tarkwa District was named National Most Promising Young Cocoa Farmer.

For many of these farmers, their awards represent not only personal dedication but also the strength of the extension system that supported their growth.

Beyond Awards: Building Stronger Communities
National recognition has opened new opportunities for many of these farmers.

Some have travelled to Europe and South America through programmes supported by the Ghana Cocoa Board, gaining exposure to international cocoa production systems and sustainability practices.

These experiences have enabled them to introduce new ideas in their communities. Today, several of them champion initiatives that extend beyond cocoa production, including promoting education for the girl child, advocating against child labour and forced labour, and supporting efforts to protect cocoa-growing areas from illegal mining.

In many cases, these farmers have become influential community leaders, encouraging responsible farming practices and social development.

Encouraging Women in Cocoa
Farmers also acknowledge Winnifred’s commitment to promoting inclusive participation in cocoa farming.

Through training programmes and farmer engagements, she has consistently encouraged women farmers to participate actively and to access technical advice and farm inputs.

Her efforts have helped many women gain the confidence to adopt improved agronomic practices and take leadership roles within farmer groups.

The national recognition of farmers such as Madam Joyce Dapaah and Madam Yaa Adjeley reflects the growing visibility and contribution of women in Ghana’s cocoa sector.

A Role Model in a Demanding Sector
Working in a sector traditionally dominated by men, Winnifred has had to navigate challenges ranging from the physical demands of fieldwork to demonstrating technical competence in environments where women are sometimes underestimated.

Through consistency, professionalism and continuous learning, she has earned the respect of farmers and colleagues alike.

Beyond her field responsibilities, she mentors young extension officers—particularly women entering the profession—helping to nurture a new generation of agricultural professionals committed to sustaining Ghana’s cocoa industry.

Strengthening the Future of Cocoa
As Ghana celebrates International Women’s Day 2026, the achievements of award-winning farmers in the Western South Region highlight the vital role of extension professionals who work behind the scenes to support them.

For many farmers who have benefited from her guidance, Winnifred Akua Armah represents the dedication and leadership required to strengthen Ghana’s cocoa sector.

Her belief remains clear:
“A strong cocoa sector needs women because women bring dedication, a nurturing spirit and innovation to every stage of the value chain. When women are empowered, the entire cocoa industry becomes stronger and more sustainable.”