Cocoa farmers in the Ahondwo operational area in the Oti Region have appealed to the Ghana Cocoa Board (Ghana Cocoa Board) and government to establish a cocoa clinic and provide other essential support to improve their livelihoods and sustain cocoa production in the area.
The farmers, who met during their first operational meeting in Ahondwo, a cocoa-growing community in the Nkwanta South Municipality, said cocoa farmers in the area are expected to benefit from additional services and incentives, yet they continue to face challenges that undermine productivity.
They cited the lack of scholarship opportunities for their children, limited access to quality healthcare, inadequate supply of agrochemicals, and insufficient logistics as major setbacks.
In an interview with Adom News, the chairman of the Ahondwo cocoa operational area, John Paul Anewaba, questioned the relevance of concentrating cocoa-related health facilities in major cities while farmers in remote production areas struggle to access basic medical care.
“It is of no use for the government to establish a cocoa clinic in Accra while the growers of cocoa continue to suffer,” he said.
John Paul explained that the absence of nearby healthcare services exposes farmers to avoidable risks, particularly during peak farming seasons.
He noted that snake bites and other medical emergencies remain common, and the situation is especially difficult for women who work on farms and may face health complications without timely support.
He therefore urged COCOBOD and the government to prioritize cocoa-producing communities such as Ahondwo, Kpeve, Chaiso, Kakraka, Dufrunkpa, and other adjoining farming communities in the siting of cocoa clinics and related services.
Beyond healthcare, the farmers also raised concerns about poor communication networks in the area.
The chairman appealed for improved mobile network connectivity along Ahondwo, Kpeve, Karaka, Dufrunkpa, and Chaiso to enable farmers to contact technical officers, access essential services, and respond quickly to emergencies.
Nana Nkpedzi, Dufrunkpa chief, also added his voice to the call, emphasizing the importance of establishing a cocoa clinic in the operational area.
He argued that the Oti Region remains a stronghold for quality cocoa production, especially as illegal mining activities (galamsey) have affected land and productivity in other traditional cocoa-growing regions.
He appealed to the government to pay greater attention to cocoa farmers in the Oti Region and recognize their contribution to the national economy through targeted investments and support systems.
Other farmers also called for increased access to farm inputs and financial assistance to make cocoa farming more productive and sustainable.
They stressed that timely supply of agrochemicals, tools, and extension services would help improve yields, protect farms from disease, and strengthen the cocoa value chain in the area.
The farmers remain hopeful that COCOBOD and relevant authorities will respond to their concerns, noting that improving healthcare, logistics, and connectivity in cocoa-growing communities is critical to motivating farmers and safeguarding Ghana’s cocoa sector.
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