Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region yesterday hosted the official launch of the Free Cocoa Fertilizer Initiative, a major government intervention aimed at supporting cocoa farmers, increasing productivity and strengthening Ghana’s cocoa industry.
The event brought together government officials, COCOBOD executives, traditional authorities, cocoa farmers and other stakeholders to officially commence the initiative.
In his welcome address, the Western North Regional Minister, Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum, warmly welcomed the dignitaries to the region and underscored the importance of the initiative in strengthening Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Brentum also emphasised the need for effective collaboration between cocoa farmers and COCOBOD to improve productivity and ensure the long-term sustainability of the cocoa industry.
Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Dr. Randy Abbey, highlighted the significance of the initiative, particularly for cocoa farmers in the Western North Region, which remains one of Ghana’s major cocoa-producing areas.
The Board Chairman of COCOBOD, Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, outlined some of the key interventions under the initiative.
He disclosed that the government, through COCOBOD, had procured millions of bags of cocoa fertilisers for distribution to farmers during the new cocoa season. Knapsack spraying machines have also been provided to support farmers in their farming activities.
He further announced an increase in allowances for mass sprayers from GH¢500 to GH¢700. Allowances for technicians responsible for repairing COCOBOD’s knapsack spraying machines have also been increased to GH¢700.
The Acting President of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, Nana Ofori Ahenkan, urged cocoa farmers to use the fertilisers for their intended purpose to help improve cocoa production and boost the country’s cocoa sector.
The ceremony was attended by several distinguished personalities, including:
- Nana Ofori Ahenkan – Acting President, Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council.
- Hon. Wilbert Petty Brentum – Western North Regional Minister.
- Hon. Joseph Nelson – Western Regional Minister.
- Hon. Joseph Addae Akwaboah – Bono Regional Minister.
- Dr. Randy Abbey – Chief Executive Officer, COCOBOD.
- Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo – Board Chairman, COCOBOD.Kofi Benteh Afful – Member of Parliament for Sefwi Wiawso.Dominic Gyasi – Municipal Chief Executive, Sefwi Wiawso Stephen Baidoo – District Chief Executive, Bodi.Matthew Annor – District Chief Executive, Bia West.
Other traditional authorities, government officials, stakeholders and cocoa farmers also attended the ceremony.
The launch marked an important step in the government’s efforts to support cocoa farmers, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Source: Emmanuel Martey
