The National Association of Cocoa Farmers has expressed gratitude to the government for the recent cocoa price increment.
Nana Alhaji Alhasan Bukari, Chief National Cocoa Farmer, commended the government for increasing the producer price of cocoa to 70% of the world price, with an additional GH¢400.
Nana Alhaji Alhasan Bukari, during a forum in Kumasi, advised cocoa farmers to depoliticise the industry, emphasising that their priority should be the progress of their work, not party affiliations.
According to him, the government has also promised to improve cocoa roads, deliver solar touch lights, weighing stones and mosquito nets, pay fees for first-year tertiary students and supply free fertilizer and cocoa seedlings.
The Chief Farmer expressed appreciation on behalf of cocoa farmers following the government’s efforts in increasing the cocoa price.
He expressed the view that the government’s support was expected to boost cocoa production and improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
The National Association of Cocoa Farmers has urged district Chief farmers to work with agricultural officers to ensure the effective distribution of logistics and chemicals.
Mr. Sam Jorome, the Public Relations Officer of COCOBOD at the engagement said the meeting was at the instance of the National Association of Cocoa Farmers to find solutions to issues affecting cocoa farmers.
Mr. Sam Jorome mentioned that COCOBOD is supplying over two million fertilizers nationwide, with a significant portion going to the Ashanti region, as the leading Cocoa producer.
He stated that the organisation is also providing agrochemicals to farmers, although the distribution is done at specific points.
He also stated that COCOBOD is working with security agencies to address issues of illegal activities, such as cocoa smuggling and destruction of farmlands.
He reiterated that COCOBOD has been supporting the cocoa industry since its inception and is taking responsibility very seriously, while collaborating with the various stakeholders to ensure the growth of the industry.
The public Relations officer disclosed that the meeting between COCOBOD and the National Association of Cocoa Farmers is expected to strengthen the relationship between the two parties and find solutions to challenges facing cocoa farmers.
He stressed that the supply of fertilizers and agrochemicals is expected to boost cocoa production and improve the livelihoods of farmers.
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