Cargill Ghana and International Cocoa Initiative celebrate 111 young graduates building skills for the future

Cargill Ghana and the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) celebrated the graduation of 111 young individuals who completed vocational apprenticeship training programs between 2023 and 2026. The ceremony took place in Debiso, Western North Region of Ghana, highlighting the importance of equipping young people with practical skills and economic opportunities.

Managing Director of Cargill Ghana, Max Essoh Latte, emphasized the importance of the initiative in addressing child labor and promoting sustainable livelihoods. The program provides training in various vocational trades, including auto mechanics, carpentry, tailoring, baking, welding, dressmaking, and glass fabrication. This marks the 111th cohort since the first graduation in April 2025, making a total of 171 young people with practical skills.

ICI Country Director Mike Arthur highlighted how the initiative can help reduce child labor and poverty in cocoa-growing communities. The event brought together various stakeholders, including government institutions, traditional leaders, and community members. Cargill Ghana's Sustainability Operations Manager, Samuel Apana, noted that the initiative reflects Cargill's commitment to investing in people and communities for a more resilient cocoa sector.

The graduates, comprising 75 females and 36 males, received start-up tools to help them transition into employment and entrepreneurship, supporting their families and communities economically. COCOBOD's Deputy CEO, Dr. James Kofi Kutsoati, added that the initiative complements the Cocoa Sector Child Labour Monitoring System, which aims to eliminate child labor in cocoa-growing communities.