Nkawie: Cocoa farmers have been urged to exercise restraint and continue to cooperate with the government to find a lasting solution to the current challenges facing the cocoa sector. Mr. Emmanuel Agyei, Deputy Ashanti Regional Manager of COCOBOD, in charge of Operations, made the call, commending cocoa farmers for working with the government and other key stakeholders to address challenges in the cocoa sector.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Agyei addressed farmers at a rally organized by the Nkawie District of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) for cocoa farmers within the Atwima enclave. He informed them that signals from management indicated that payments for cocoa beans purchased in 2025 would soon be made. Mr. Agyei also advised the farmers to refrain from selling government-provided fertilizers to foreigners, urging them instead to use the fertilizers on their farms to boost productivity.
The rally served to update the farmers on pending issues affecting the cocoa sector and to sensitize them on proper farming practices. Farmer cooperative chairpersons, chief farmers, and other farmer group leaders from Atwima Nwabiagya North and South, Atwima Mponua, and Kwanwoma political districts attended the event where they were informed about pruning, fertilizer application, and spraying methods among other topics.
Nii Koi Kotey, the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Cocoa Officer, encouraged farmers to adopt the practices taught by CHED officials to improve their yield. He pledged to visit and inspect their operations alongside officers during an upcoming pruning exercise to ensure its effectiveness and success.
Nana Achiaa Nantie, an executive member of the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association, appealed to the farmers to refrain from leasing their farms to illegal miners.