The Central Regional Director of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Samuel Addo Agyakwa, has reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing policies and programmes to strengthen the cocoa sector. He made this statement during a visit to the Swedruman Council of Chiefs in the Central Region.
COCOBOD's Revamp Plan for Farmers
Samuel Addo Agyakwa said the government has recently released funds for the payment of cocoa beans purchased from farmers. He urged farmers to demand payment from purchasing clerks (PCs) and officials of Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs). This move aims to ensure that farmers and the nation derive maximum benefits from the sector.
Addressing Concerns Over Producer Price Reduction
The Regional Director touched on cocoa pricing, stating that farmers who sold cocoa before the announcement of the producer price reduction should be paid the previous producer price of GH¢3,500 per bag. He explained that the reduction in producer prices was necessitated by declines in international cocoa prices and was not intended to disadvantage farmers, as some had perceived.
Support for Cocoa Farm Rehabilitation
On cocoa farm rehabilitation, Mr Addo Agyakwa said the government has put in place measures to support farmers in rejuvenating ageing cocoa farms to boost production in the region. He described cocoa as the backbone of the national economy and said the government would continue to prioritise the sector to enhance its contribution to economic growth.
Addressing Supply Chain Issues
Regarding the supply of agrochemicals, Mr Addo Agyakwa assured farmers that inputs would be made available to them, although delays occasionally occurred due to importation processes. He advised farmers to procure inputs from local markets where necessary to prevent disruptions in spraying and fertiliser application.
Calls for Support from Chiefs and Farmers
Mr Addo Agyakwa called on chiefs and farmers to support government efforts aimed at revitalising the cocoa sector to increase foreign exchange earnings and strengthen the economy. He commended the Swedruman Council of Chiefs for its support for the cocoa sector and pledged that COCOBOD would hold regular engagements with traditional authorities, chief farmers, and cocoa growers to explain government policies and programmes.
Next Steps for the Cocoa Industry
The recent producer price reduction has had a negative impact on some cocoa farmers and farm labourers, who are now discouraged from maintaining their farms. Nana Kweku Esieni V, Acting President of the Swedruman Council of Chiefs, urged the government to review the producer price to restore confidence in the sector. The government's commitment to revitalising the cocoa sector will be crucial in addressing the challenges facing the industry and ensuring its continued growth and development.
Source: Joy Online
