The Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Ransford Anertey Abbey, has affirmed that despite the numerous challenges facing the cocoa sector, COCOBOD remains committed to improving the living conditions of cocoa farmers across the country.
Speaking at a farmers’ rally held at Attronso in the Sefwi Bekwai District during his three-day maiden visit to the Western North Region, Dr Abbey disclosed that plans are underway to review the producer price of cocoa for the 2025/2026 season.
This, he noted, forms part of efforts to demonstrate the government’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and attracting a younger generation into the sector.
“Despite our financial constraints, the management of COCOBOD is committed to offering cocoa farmers a better price for their produce,” he emphasised.
Dr Abbey also expressed concern about the aging population of cocoa farmers, describing it as a threat to the long-term sustainability of the sector.
He stressed the importance of attracting youth into agriculture through modernisation and innovation.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to modernize cocoa farming. By introducing advanced tools and equipment, we aim to make the sector more lucrative and appealing to young people,” he said.
On the issue of climate change, he announced plans to prioritise the implementation of irrigation systems on cocoa farms to mitigate the impact of unpredictable rainfall patterns.
He urged farmers to join cooperatives, which would enable COCOBOD to roll out irrigation projects more effectively.
“We cannot implement irrigation systems for individual farmers, it’s costly, and access to water sources has been severely affected by illegal mining (galamsey). Cooperative farming is the way forward,” he explained.
Dr Abbey further revealed that efforts are underway to amend existing laws protecting cocoa trees in order to safeguard Ghana’s cocoa industry from environmental threats.
He noted that all relevant stakeholders are being consulted in this careful and inclusive process to establish a more robust legal framework for crop protection.
“Cocoa farming is a source of generational wealth. We need laws to protect cocoa trees and stop the destruction caused by galamsey operators,” he stated.
He also assured farmers of the timely supply of fertilizers and agrochemicals, urging all to support COCOBOD’s efforts to prevent the diversion of essential farming inputs.
“These inputs are procured through significant investment to ease the burden on farmers. I will personally ensure that any misconduct or diversion is addressed, and anyone found complicit will be held accountable,” he warned.
Dr Abbey concluded by calling on all stakeholders within the cocoa value chain to unite and support his administration in revitalising and sustaining the sector.
He was accompanied by members of COCOBOD’s management team during the tour.
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