Dr. Kwekuche Ackah, a crop scientist at the University of Cape Coast, has proposed vital strategies to address the challenges impacting Ghana’s cocoa sector and improve farmer profitability. Amid weather concerns, Ghana has lowered its cocoa harvest forecast for the season, heightening the urgency of reforms.
Dr. Ackah called for a significant increase in the price of cocoa paid to farmers, arguing that no farmer should receive less than GH₵ 4,000 per bag, GH₵ 900 more than the GH₵3,100 paid per 64kg bag. He believes this increase would empower farmers to purchase essential inputs such as fertilizers, pesticides, and labour, crucial for boosting yields. Rising input costs, combined with inconsistent availability, have been significant barriers to production, making subsidies vital to ease these burdens.
Subsidized inputs, along with timely availability in cocoa-growing regions, would allow farmers to apply fertilizers and pesticides when needed, improving efficiency. Dr. Ackah also highlighted the importance of access to affordable credit facilities, noting that limited financing options have prevented farmers from adopting modern practices to combat pests, diseases, and low yields.
With weather conditions already affecting the harvest forecast, Dr. Ackah’s recommendations come at a crucial time. Implementing these strategies could reduce production costs, improve yields, and ensure farmers benefit from global price increases. He emphasized that swift and effective policy interventions are essential to safeguard the sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa sector and enhance the livelihoods of farmers.
