COCOBOD relaunches free fertilizer programme to ‘reset’ cocoa sector

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has officially reinstated the Free Fertiliser Distribution Programme, a move aimed at bolstering cocoa farmers' productivity and alleviating the financial strain of purchasing fertiliser. The initiative's launch took place in Sefwi-Wiawso, Western North Region, where COCOBOD CEO Dr Randy Abbey stressed the importance of utilizing technology to streamline farmer registration and eliminate favouritism and middlemen.

Dr Abbey expressed concern about the impact of cocoa swollen shoot disease, which has reduced cocoa production from 340,000 metric tonnes to 140,000 metric tonnes in the region. He assured that COCOBOD is working to secure significant capital injections from development banks and private partners to rehabilitate diseased farms and restore farmers' livelihoods.

Additionally, the Board is set to launch tertiary scholarships for cocoa farmers' children starting in the 2027/2027 academic year. COCOBOD Board Chairman Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo urged farmers to apply the fertilisers properly to boost soil fertility and increase cocoa yields, and cautioned against diverting the inputs. The Western North Regional Minister, Mr Wilbert Petty Brentum, highlighted the government's commitment to revitalizing the cocoa sector and improving cocoa farmers' livelihoods.

He also advocated for the privatisation of the rehabilitation programme in the region. Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, Chief of Bonzain and Acting President of the Wiawso Traditional Council, praised cocoa farmers' resilience and underscored the importance of the free fertiliser distribution in securing Ghana's cocoa sector's future and enhancing farmers' livelihoods.

Farmers interviewed by the Ghana News Agency expressed appreciation for the initiative, stating that it would help improve yields and ease their financial burden, while welcoming COCOBOD's decision to start scholarships for their children.