It was an exciting and insightful day in the Jasikan Municipality as the Board Chairman of COCOBOD, Mr. Odosu Ampofo together with two Board Members, the Oti Regional Minister, Hon. John Kwadwo Gyapong, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, and other top officials from COCOBOD paid a working visit to our area.
The visit began with a courtesy call on the Chief and Elders of the Buem Traditional Area, where discussions focused on some key issues affecting the cocoa sector including cocoa marketing, the fight against smuggling, and several ongoing government interventions under COCOBOD.
The team later met with the Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC) and had an interactive session with cocoa farmers and stakeholders at the Jasikan Municipal Assembly Hall.
It was a great platform for open dialogue and sharing ideas to protect and grow Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Key Highlights & Interventions
During the engagement, the COCOBOD team shared updates on several important interventions such as:
Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme-replacing diseased and old trees to boost productivity and improve farmers’ income.
2. Mass Pruning & Hand Pollination Initiatives-supporting farmers to increase yield and ensure healthy farms.
3. Cocoa Roads Project- improving feeder roads in cocoa-growing areas to make transport of produce easier.
4. Cocoa Farmers’ Pension Scheme-securing the future of our hardworking farmers after retirement.
5. Free Fertilizer & Seedling Support-providing the right inputs for quality and sustainable cocoa production.
6. Anti-Smuggling Efforts-strengthening task forces and community collaboration to stop cocoa smuggling across our borders, especially along the Ghana-Togo corridor.
The Board Chairman commended the Chiefs, Elders, Security Services, and the Anti-Cocoa Smuggling Task Force for their tireless work and dedication-even in the rains and at midnight to protect Ghana’s cocoa.
This visit was more than just a tour; it was a show of commitment to our farmers, our communities, and the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
