Accra:Ashanti Region Cocoa farmers and traditional leaders in the Ashanti Region have expressed support for the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182), while calling for improved agricultural support and greater transparency in the allocation of scholarships. They are also urging the swift implementation of the proposed Farmer Pension Scheme.
According to Ghana Web, the farmers initially anticipated a higher producer price for the new cocoa season. However, they gained a better understanding of the pricing decision following explanations from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) during stakeholder engagements.
These engagements were organized by COCOBOD, alongside the Cocoa Health and Extension Division, across seven cocoa-growing districts in the region. The discussions took place in Offinso, Kyerayaso, Toase, New Edubiase, Kuntenase, Kona, and Juansa, focusing on the new law, cocoa pricing, and measures to boost productivity and livelihoods.
While some farmers hoped for a higher producer price, they acknowledged the economic challenges faced by the cocoa sector. They also welcomed reforms under the new Cocoa Board Act, emphasizing the need for continuous public education to understand its provisions, particularly those protecting cocoa communities from illegal mining and unauthorized activities.
Farmers called for the depoliticization of cocoa-related issues, advocating for a united, sustainable approach to industry challenges. They urged COCOBOD to enhance the distribution of free farm inputs like fertilizers to support production effectively.
The proposed Farmer Pension Scheme was highlighted as a critical measure for improving farmers' long-term welfare and financial security. Farmers also demanded transparency in the administration of the cocoa tertiary education scholarship scheme to ensure fairness and equal access for all eligible beneficiaries.
Deputy Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD, Benjamin Larweh, emphasized the importance of keeping farmers informed and involved in policy discussions impacting their livelihoods. He assured participants that their concerns and recommendations would be forwarded to management for consideration.
Isaac Adu, Ashanti Regional Manager of CHED, announced plans for further farmer engagements on fertilizer distribution and agricultural input support, including mass spraying under the Cocoa Diseases and Pests Control Programme.
The completion of these engagements in the Ashanti Region marks the first phase of a national initiative to bring COCOBOD's policies and interventions closer to farmers and stakeholders across the cocoa industry.