The 2026 maiden NEC meeting of COSSA-CHED was held at Akyem-Tafo in the Eastern Region.
The meeting also featured a field engagement with the Golden Bean Cocoa Farmers Cooperative at Tetekasum-Amanfrom in the Suhum District.
A key focus of the engagement was to align policy discussions with on-the-ground realities in cocoa farming. It also introduced reforms in Ghana’s cocoa financing system aimed at ensuring farmers receive at least 70% of the Free On Board (FOB) price.
According to the National Chairman, Charles Owusu-Appiah, the market-linked financing model is designed to reflect global cocoa prices and improve long-term sustainability in the sector.
Farmers were sensitised on how the new pricing system will enhance transparency and stabilise incomes. The initiative aligns with the Ghana Cocoa Board’s objective of improving farmer earnings while maintaining industry competitiveness. Farmers were encouraged to remain patient as regulatory measures are strengthened to support price stability and livelihoods.
For the first time, COSSA-CHED executives, led by Chairman Charles Owusu-Appiah Jnr, engaged directly with members of the Golden Bean Cocoa Farmers Cooperative. The interaction helped farmers better understand how the 70% FOB policy is linked to productivity and income stability.
The outreach also emphasised Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs) as a key driver of improved productivity and resilience. Farmers called for more training in climate-smart cocoa farming techniques, including pruning, pest and disease control, soil fertility management, and proper input use.
The engagement further highlighted climate change challenges and the need for greater inclusivity in the cocoa sector. The Vice Chairperson, Doreen Vida Gyamfuwaa, stressed the importance of empowering women through access to land, training, and resources.
Overall, the initiative reinforced that combining fair pricing, improved agronomic practices, and inclusivity will strengthen Ghana’s cocoa sector and improve livelihoods.
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