The nation’s cocoa farmers have applauded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for what they called a “unprecedented” rise in the cocoa producer price during the 2023–2024 season, as well as other government interventions.
They claimed that the assistance and acknowledgment they received was a return for their labors since it prevented their farms from completely collapsing, putting the nation on the cusp of becoming the world’s greatest producer of cocoa.
The praise was delivered by Charles Gyemfi, President of the Best Cocoa Farmers Association, during a courtesy visit to President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra yesterday, where they thanked him for his support of their cause.
The around 50 farmers, comprised National Best Cocoa Farmers, National Best Young farmers and the Best Enterprising Female Cocoa farmer.
Mr. Gyemfi, the recipient of the 2018 and 2019 National Best Farmer awards for cocoa farming, stated that they were first dubious about the 2023–2024 price hikes because there had never been one before.
According to Mr. Gyemfi, the action not only resulted in the disease’s eradication but also enhanced food production from crops planted alongside cocoa, giving farmers greater income and guaranteeing food security.
“We acknowledge the government’s endeavors to elevate the industry through programs like irrigation and mechanization, pruning, manual pollination, early mass spraying, and value addition,” he continued.
Speaking of farmer cooperatives, Mr. Gyemfi stated that over 8,000 cooperatives and farmer organizations had been established thanks to government support.
He claimed that produce buying companies were typically involved in the smuggling of cocoa, and he argued that those who engage in this illegal activity should have their licenses withdrawn upon arrest.
In an effort to stop smuggling, Mr. Gyemfi also pleaded with the President to make sure that enough money was available to pay farmers as soon as they sold their cocoa at the start of the season.
President Akufo-Addo expressed appreciation to the farmers for appreciating the efforts of the administration.
He praised them for their unwavering efforts in producing cocoa, which throughout the years has made a substantial economic contribution to the nation.
In order to support the farming economy and generate more jobs, the President asked them to mentor and inspire more young people to pursue farming.
