Dr. Ransford Anertey Abbey, the Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has stated that despite the numerous challenges facing the cocoa sector, COCOBOD remains dedicated to improving the living conditions of cocoa farmers throughout the country. During his three-day inaugural visit to the Western North Region, he spoke at a farmers’ rally held in Attronso, Sefwi Bekwai District. Dr. Abbey announced that plans are in progress to review the producer price of cocoa for the 2025/2026 season. He emphasized that this initiative is part of the government’s commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and attracting younger individuals to the sector.
“Despite our financial constraints, …..the management of COCOBOD is committed to offering cocoa farmers a better price for their produce,” he emphasised. The COCOBOD CE also used the opportunity to bemoan aging population of cocoa farmers, describing it as a threat to the long-term sustainability of the sector. He emphasised the importance of attracting youth into agriculture through modernisation and innovation.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture to modernise cocoa farming. By introducing advanced tools and equipment, we aim to make the sector more lucrative and appealing to young people,” he stated. On climate change, he announced plans to prioritize irrigation systems on cocoa farms to mitigate the unpredictable rainfall patterns. He urged farmers to join cooperatives, which would allow COCOBOD to implement irrigation projects more effectively when rolled out.
“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. He also disclosed that efforts to amend existing laws protecting cocoa trees will help to secure Ghana’s cocoa industry from environmental threats. He further said all relevant stakeholders are being involved in this painstaking process to achieve a more robust legal regime 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 said. Dr. Abbey assured farmers of the timely supply of fertilisers and agrochemicals and called on all to support COCOBOD’s efforts at preventing the diversion of essential farming inputs.
“These inputs are procured with significant investment to reduce the burden on farmers. I will personally ensure that any misconduct or diversion is addressed, and if anybody is found complicit in diversion, they will be held accountable,” he said. He urged on all stakeholders within the cocoa value chain to unite and support his administration in revitalising and sustaining the sector. Dr. Abbey was accompanied by members of COCOBOD management during the tour.
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