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. Emmanuel Agyei, Deputy Ashanti Regional Manager of COCOBOD, in-charge of Operations, made this call as he commended cocoa farmers for their collaborative efforts with the government and other key stakeholders.
According to Ghana Web, 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 the farmers that signals from management indicated that payments for cocoa beans purchased in 2025 would soon be forthcoming. Agyei also advised farmers against selling government-provided fertilizers to foreigners, encouraging them instead to use the fertilizers on their farms to boost productivity.
The rally aimed to update farmers on pending issues affecting the cocoa sector and to educate 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 rally. They received guidance on pruning, fertilizer application, spraying methods, and other practices.
Nii Koi Kotey, the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Cocoa Officer, urged farmers to implement the teachings of CHED officials to improve their yield. He committed to visiting and inspecting their operations 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 releasing their farms to illegal miners.