Ghana’s cocoa sector, the “soul” of the country’s economy, is facing a pressing challenge that threatens its very foundation.Cocoa beans
The sector generates a substantial $2 billion in annual revenue but has become a pawn in the country’s political landscape. The growing politicisation of the sector has sparked widespread concern among farmers, who are demanding a greater say in the decision-making process.
On the issue of the appointment of the sector’s leadership, some farmers in the Ashanti region and other cocoa-growing areas are frustrated with the lack of transparency and merit-based selection in the appointment of the CEO. For them, experts in the sector should be taking the reins, but political considerations seem to be driving the process.
According to them, this has led to a lack of trust and confidence in the sector’s leadership, hindering its growth and development.
They say the impact of politicisation on the cocoa sector cannot be overstated. Ghana’s economy is heavily reliant on the industry, and any instability or inefficiency has far-reaching consequences. The sector’s performance affects not only the farmers but also the livelihoods of countless others who depend on it.Cocoa beans
Some farmers are now calling for a more inclusive approach to leadership selection. They want a say in electing a CEO who understands the intricacies of the industry and can drive growth and development. This demand is not just about representation; it’s about ensuring the sector’s sustainability and competitiveness in the global market.
With the current pricing for farmers, which has been increased from 3,100 to 3,228, some farmers are of the view that the government has deceived them based on its political promises.
For some farmers, the government promised to double the price of cocoa. Some say the government has deceived them.Cocoa beans
Again, some cocoa farmers believe that issues like cocoa pricing should not be politicised.
Over-politicisation has not only affected pricing but also the distribution of chemicals to farmers.
COCOBOD has over 700,000 registered farmers across the country. But some farmers say the distribution of the chemicals does not get to them, leading to the use of unapproved chemicals, which is affecting the growth of the cocoa.
To curb this, the COCOBOD, through the partnership with the European Union and GIZ, has introduced the Cocoa Management System (CMS) to get all data of cocoa farmers across the country to address issues of sharing fertilisers and other farm inputs. Under this, COCOBOD has the Cocoa Traceability and other initiatives.
Cocoa productsCocoa beans
Over twenty-eight thousand (28,000) farmers have been registered under an initiative called
Efforts by GIZ and COCOBOD have led to the mapping of some cocoa farms in Assin Fosu.
Also, with the cocoa traceability program, each cocoa can be traced from production to distribution. This project is expected to curb the smuggling of cocoa beans and other goods.
With this initiative, which is yet to be implemented in the Ashanti region and other Cocoa farming areas, they believe this will help ensure transparency and accountability.
