OBJECTIVES

• To reduce cocoa yield losses caused by insect pests and fungal diseases.

• To restore and maintain soil fertility through fertiliser and soil amendment application.

• To promote environmentally responsible pest and disease control practices.

• To support cocoa farmers in achieving sustainable, higher yields and improved bean quality.

MAIN COMPONENTS

1. CODAPEC (Mass Spraying Programme) – focused on the control of insect pests and fungal diseases, primarily capsids (mirids) and black pod disease, as well as other emerging pests such as corid bugs and stink bugs.

2. Hi-TECH (Fertiliser Support Programme) – responsible for the distribution of granular and liquid fertilisers to replenish depleted soils and soil amendments to correct soil acidity in affected areas.

SCOPE AND COVERAGE

The programme covers approximately 1.4 million hectares for insect control and about 1.0 million hectares for black pod control across all cocoa-growing regions of Ghana.

Over 60,000 trained sprayers are employed nationwide, supported by regional and district coordination teams, as well as mechanics and security personnel who ensure the smooth running of operations and protection of CODAPEC/Hi-TECH inputs.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The programme is managed by a National Coordinator, assisted by three Deputy Coordinators, each responsible for:

• Insect Control

• Black Pod Control

• Fertiliser Application

Implementation is supervised by seven Regional Coordinators and 70 District Coordinators, who work closely with field staff, supervisors, and farmer groups within their jurisdictions.

MODE OF OPERATION

1. Insect Pest Control

Two major spraying rounds are conducted each year:

• First Round: April–May

• Second Round: August–September

Free insecticides are supplied by COCOBOD, and trained spraying gangs (each consisting of seven members, including a supervisor) are deployed to apply the treatments.

Spraying gangs are provided with motorised mist blowers, free premix fuel, and are paid monthly allowances during the spraying season.

The control programme targets mirids (capsids), corid bugs, stink bugs, and other emerging pests across all cocoa-growing areas.

2. Black Pod Disease Control

Black pod control begins in June and continues through October.

Three rounds of fungicide applications are carried out at 3–4 week intervals by COCOBOD spraying gangs using pneumatic spraying machines.

Farmers are encouraged to complement these applications with additional rounds during the same period.

All fungicides are supplied free of charge to the gangs and farmers.

3. Fertiliser and Soil Amendment (Hi-TECH Component)

The Hi-TECH component of the programme focuses on:

Granular and liquid fertiliser application to improve nutrient availability and yield.

Soil amendment interventions to correct soil acidity and improve soil structure and fertility.

Fertiliser distribution is data-driven, targeting productive farms and ensuring efficient use of inputs to enhance productivity and soil health.