The 2017 National Best Cocoa Farmer, Mr. Osman Yakubu, has welcomed government’s upward review of the producer price of cocoa but stressed that further measures are needed to make cocoa farming more sustainable and profitable for farmers.
Following the announcement of Cocoa price review, Mr. Yakubu commended government and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for adjusting the cocoa producer price from GH¢3,228 to GH¢3,625 per bag.
He said the revision was timely and more aligned with the expectations of farmers, many of whom were disappointed with the initial price declared in August.
“This is refreshing news for us as farmers because it really meets our expectations,” he remarked.
While acknowledging the price increment as a positive step, Mr. Yakubu underscored that the affordability of farm inputs remains a critical challenge.
He urged government to work toward reducing the cost of agro-chemicals and labour, pointing out that high prices continue to limit farmers’ ability to purchase adequate supplies beyond what COCOBOD provides.
According to him, ensuring access to cheaper inputs would not only boost productivity but also reduce farmers’ dependency on external support.
“If agro-chemicals and labour costs come down, many of us will be able to expand our farms and produce more for both domestic and international markets,” he added.
Mr. Yakubu further appealed to government to invest in irrigation systems across cocoa-growing areas.
He argued that reliable irrigation would ensure year-round production, enhance yields, and cushion farmers against the effects of erratic rainfall patterns linked to climate change.
“Cocoa is a long-term investment, and irrigation can transform productivity by allowing us to farm all year round,” he said.
The award-winning farmer also expressed concern over the destructive effects of illegal mining (galamsey) on cocoa farmlands, water bodies, and the environment.
He called on government, traditional authorities, and the media to intensify efforts to eliminate the menace.
He further urged cocoa farmers not to lease their lands to illegal miners, warning that the short-term financial gains cannot outweigh the long-term benefits of cocoa cultivation for national development and future generations.
Mr. Yakubu’s remarks highlight a broader debate within the cocoa sector, while price increases are welcome, the sustainability of the industry depends on reducing input costs, improving irrigation, and protecting farmlands from environmental threats.
These reforms, if implemented, could secure livelihoods, strengthen export earnings, and safeguard the sector for decades to come.
