Give Cocoa Farmers What Is Due Them; Asantehene to COCOBOD

The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged the Management of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), to ensure fair cocoa prices for farmers.

Currently, a tonne of cocoa sells at ¢49,000 while a bag is ¢3,100. Cocoa price was last increased in November 2024 by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

During a visit by the Management of the Board on May 2, 2025, the Asantehene indicated that fair cocoa prices would make the venture lucrative.

According to the King, more young people will be motivated to venture into cocoa farming which will also increase production.

“Give farmers what they deserve. Meagre payments discourage farmers and their kids from going into it. Put effective measures in place.”

Challenges
He also encouraged the Board to deal with the challenges of illegal mining which stand as a threat to the sector as well as fertilizer availability and supply to increase production.

“See to it that production increases. Put in place measures to deal with swollen shoots. People are now discouraged from farming. Cocoa farmers are selling their lands to illegal miners. Deal with that. Cocoa can develop our country. Deal will all the challenges pertaining to corruption and fertilizers.”

Corruption
His Majesty reminded the Board of their mandate, affirming that they were appointed for the betterment of the cocoa industry.

The Asantehene affirmed that the mandate was not intended to enrich themselves.
 

“You are there because of Ghana, not your enrichment. We have been hearing some disturbing news. Cease all that. You are there because of your knowledge.”

He continued, “Help build the sector with that knowledge. Support the new leader. There will be money in the economy when you do that and everyone will feel peace.”

As part of his working tour of the cocoa-growing regions, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Ransford Abbey, paid a courtesy visit to the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

The visit was used to brief Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, on the current state of the Board and seek His Majesty’s counsel and blessing.

Among the delegation were Dr. Francis Baah, the Deputy CEO; Richard Adu Acheampong, the Executive Director of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED); and Kwabena Owusu Ansah, the Deputy Executive Director of the Seed Production Division (SPD).

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini