Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has organized a heartwarming celebration for Chocolate Day, uniting cocoa farmers in Sefwi Bekwai.
Held in Sefwi Baakokrom within the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality of the Western North Region, the event was filled with joyous festivities as farmers were gathered and sent off to a cocoa farm.
They were greeted with a refreshing royal drink and indulged in the rich flavors of chocolate, aimed not only at satisfying their palates but also at boosting their retentive memory and enhancing their social well-being.
The convergence of farmers, coupled with the provision of royal drink and chocolate, served not only as a celebration of Chocolate Day but also as a testament to the vital role farmers play in Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Mr. Frank Amamoo Antwi, the Sefwi Bekwai District Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) Manager highlighted the significance of the occasion.
He noted that the district, boasting a total productive area of 15,000 hectares and home to 10,000 farmers, had incorporated the Chocolate Day celebration into their calendar to kickstart the pruning exercise.
He assured that officers were readily available to address any issues affecting cocoa farmers.
Mr. Antwi urged the farmers to prioritize the maintenance of their cocoa farms, particularly through the crucial task of weeding, adding that this proactive step is essential to pave the way for the commencement of the mass spraying exercise, vital for safeguarding cocoa yields against pests and diseases.
On their part, the cocoa farmers extend their gratitude to COCOBOD and appeal to the government for continued support and investment in the cocoa sector.
They emphasize the need for sustained assistance in the form of training, access to inputs, and infrastructure development to further bolster cocoa production in the region.
Furthermore, farmers urge the government to prioritize policies that address the challenges faced by cocoa farmers, including fluctuating prices, climate change, and pest infestations.
They emphasize the importance of collaborative efforts between government agencies, cocoa industry stakeholders, and farmers’ associations to address these issues comprehensively and sustainably.
