The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), through its Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), has held a sensitisation forum for cocoa farmers in the Bodi District of the Western North Region to explain the producer price and requirements for the upcoming 2025/2026 cocoa season.
The forum, held as part of COCOBOD’s outreach programme, educated farmers on cocoa pricing, good agricultural practices, and the importance of registering for the Cocoa Card ahead of the new season.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Kennedy Osei Ampofo, a Public Affairs Officer at CHED, commended the farmers for their dedication to the sector, which he described as the “backbone of Ghana’s economy.”
He noted that despite the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar, the government had maintained the producer price at GH¢3,100 per bag to protect farmers’ incomes.
“We appreciate your hard work, and we want to assure you that COCOBOD remains committed to supporting you to increase yields and sustain your livelihoods,” he said.
Mr. Ampofo cautioned against the use of unapproved agrochemicals, urging farmers to follow approved guidelines to ensure healthy crops and high yields.
He said misuse of chemicals undermines crop quality and can affect Ghana’s cocoa reputation globally.
Mr. Charles Kabotei Ocancy, Deputy Western North Regional Manager of CHED, stressed the importance of registering for the Cocoa Card.
He warned that beginning with the next cocoa season, no Cocoa Buying Company will be permitted to purchase beans from farmers who are not enrolled on the Cocoa Management System (CMS) platform.
“All farmers must register or update their details at our district office. The process is free and essential to ensure transparency in cocoa transactions,” he said.
On disease control, Mr. Stephen Baidoo, the District Chief Executive of Bodi, revealed that plans were underway to increase the supply of agrochemicals, particularly for the control of the black pod disease.
He said the government is working to ensure all farmers benefit from the mass spraying programme.
The chief of Sefwi Bodi, Nana Kwasi Ofori Ababio, used the occasion to appeal to the government to reduce the prices of cocoa inputs such as fertilizers and approved chemicals.
