Four recipients of the National Best Cocoa, Coffee and Shea Nut Farmer awards have collected their prizes at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) head office in Accra. They are Mr. Kwame Alex, Madam Yaa Adjeley, Mr. Solomon Tohola and Ms. Winifred Batabana.
Mr. Kwame Alex, the 2024 National Best Cocoa Farmer received a Toyota Hilux Double Cabin Pick-up, a pruner, cocoa products, a plaque and safety equipment including goggles, respirators, ear protectors, gloves, Wellington boots and a motorised sprayer.
This award, part of the 40th National Farmers’ Day celebration held on November 8, 2024 and themed: “Building Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security,” recognises Mr. Alex’s achievements in managing approximately 130 hectares of cocoa and producing over 3,000 bags annually.
Madam Yaa Adjeley, from the Western South region, won the National Most Enterprising Female Cocoa Farmer Award and was awarded an GH¢80,000 cheque from the Cocoa World Foundation (CWF), along with a single-cabin mini truck, a tricycle, a pruner, cocoa products, and a plaque.
Additionally, each Regional Enterprising Female Cocoa Farmer received a GH¢20,000 cheque from CWF.
Mr. Solomon Tohola, from Assin Fosu in the Central Region, was recognised as the National Most Promising Cocoa Farmer and received a single-cabin mini truck, a tricycle, a pruner, cocoa products, a plaque and protective gear.
Ms. Winifred Batabana from the Savanna region, named the National Best Sheanut Picker, was awarded a tricycle, protective clothing, a solar torchlight and a plaque.
Mr. Victor Benefo, awarded Best Coffee Farmer, also received a tricycle, protective clothing, cocoa products and a plaque.
COCOBOD’s Chief Executive, Mr. Joseph Boahen Aidoo, commended the winners for their contributions and expressed hope that these awards would boost cocoa production for the benefit of both farmers and the nation.
He cautioned farmers against engaging in illegal cocoa trading and encouraged them to report such activities to the police.
He also announced that COCOBOD would reward informants who report illicit trading with GH¢2,000 per bag of cocoa recovered.
Mr. Aidoo urged the media to report responsibly on cocoa-related issues, highlighting how the sector’s image impacts its international standing.
He also announced a scientific breakthrough for Ghana in Shea tree cultivation, reducing the maturity period for fruiting from 30–40 years to just three years.
This, he noted, will pave the way for commercial Shea nut farming and bring an end to the practice of picking nuts in the wild.
Furthermore, tertiary education will be free for the children or dependents of cocoa farmers, as the board will fully cover their expenses.
Mr. Alex, speaking on behalf of the winners, thanked the government and stakeholders for the honor and committed to using his award to inspire young people to consider careers in cocoa farming.
Since its inception in 1985, Farmers’ Day has celebrated outstanding cocoa, coffee and sheanut farmers at national, regional and district levels.
