Swedru: Mr Samuel Addo Agyakwa, Central Regional Director of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has reaffirmed the Government's commitment to implementing policies and programmes aimed at strengthening the cocoa sector. He emphasized that these initiatives are designed to ensure that both farmers and the nation maximize benefits from the industry.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Addo Agyakwa highlighted that the Government has recently released funds for the payment of cocoa beans purchased from farmers. He encouraged farmers to demand payment from purchasing clerks and officials of Licensed Buying Companies. The announcement was made during his visit to the Swedruman Council of Chiefs, where he introduced himself as the new Central Regional Director of COCOBOD.
Addressing cocoa pricing, Mr Addo Agyakwa stated that farmers who sold cocoa before the announcement of a producer price reduction should receive the previous producer price of GHS3,500 per bag. He clarified that the reduction in producer prices was due to declines in international cocoa prices and was not meant to disadvantage farmers. He expressed concerns about purchasing clerks and LBC officials exploiting the situation and urged farmers to report such practices.
On the topic of cocoa farm rehabilitation, Mr Addo Agyakwa mentioned that the Government has implemented measures to assist farmers in rejuvenating ageing cocoa farms, aiming to boost production in the region. He noted that the cocoa industry is vital to the national economy, contributing significantly to infrastructure development, healthcare, and educational scholarship programmes.
Regarding the supply of agrochemicals, he assured farmers that inputs would be available, noting occasional delays due to importation processes. He advised farmers to purchase inputs from local markets when necessary to avoid disruptions. Mr Addo Agyakwa also called on chiefs and farmers to support Government efforts to revitalize the cocoa sector, thereby increasing foreign exchange earnings and strengthening the economy.
He addressed the mass cocoa spraying programme, stating that COCOBOD would investigate payment delays for spraying gangs. He explained that such delays often result from the late submission of documentation by gang leaders. Mr Addo Agyakwa commended the Swedruman Council of Chiefs for their support and pledged regular engagements with traditional authorities and farmers to explain government policies.
Nana Kweku Esieni V, Acting President of the Swedruman Council of Chiefs, reminisced about the Agona Swedru area's past prominence in cocoa production and appealed for stronger mass cocoa spraying initiatives similar to those during former President Kufuor's administration. He urged COCOBOD to intensify efforts to rehabilitate diseased cocoa farms and expressed concerns over the recent producer price reduction, urging a review to restore confidence among farmers.