Sekyere east: The Effiduase Cocoa Health Extension Division (CHED) of COCOBOD in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti region has distributed 5,920 cocoa seedlings to four institutions within its operational area for cultivation. The recipient institutions include Tweneboa Kodua, Dadease Agriculture, T.I Ahmadiya Senior High Schools, and the Asante Juaben Traditional Council.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Patrick Asare-Mensah, the District Cocoa Officer, highlighted that the distribution is part of the 'One Acre of Cocoa Farm, One SHS project'. The initiative aims to boost cocoa production, engage youth in cocoa farming, and secure the future of the cocoa industry by introducing cultivation practices through partnerships with students and school management.
Mr. Asare-Mensah, a Principal Technical Officer at COCOBOD, emphasized that the project is spearheaded by the Ghana Cocoa Board via the Effiduase District Directorate of CHED, covering Juaben Municipal, Sekyere Kumawu, Sekyere Central, and Afram Plains political districts. After distributing 5,478 seedlings to schools in 2023 and 2024, the Juaben traditional council expressed interest, leading to the provision of 450 seedlings for planting on an acre behind the palace last year.
The initiative involves farm area measurement using GPS, seedling distribution, planting assistance, and supervision of operational activities. The program has enhanced pollination farms, boosting cocoa production and setting the stage for improved yields in the upcoming season. Mr. Asare-Mensah urged stakeholders to support efforts for increased cocoa productivity and encouraged students to engage with the program for future benefits.
Commending the CHED staff for their dedication, Mr. Asare-Mensah noted the encouraging results from pollinated farms ahead of the main crop season. Nana Agyei Sikapa, the Akyeamehene of the Asante Juaben Traditional Council, praised the district CHED for establishing a cocoa farm at the palace. He acknowledged cocoa as Ghana's economic backbone and supported the educational initiative to capture student interest in cocoa production.