An organic cocoa farmer at Tetekasum-Amanfrom near Suhum in the Eastern Region, Charles Oppong, has called on the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to ensure the timely supply of farm inputs and strengthen education on climate-smart agricultural practices to improve productivity in the cocoa sector.
Mr. Oppong made the appeal during a visit by the Senior Staff Association of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHEDSSA) as part of its annual National Executive Council meeting in the Eastern Region.
The visit included a stop at an organic cocoa farm adopted by Fairafric Ghana Ltd at Adwen Amma Ntem, where farmers and officials engaged on key issues affecting cocoa production.
According to Mr. Oppong, delays in the distribution of fertilizers and other essential inputs negatively affect productivity, especially during critical farming seasons.
He stressed that timely access to inputs remains crucial to sustaining yields and improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
The farmer also called for increased education on climate-smart agriculture, noting that changing weather patterns are posing new challenges to cocoa production across farming communities.
He further encouraged cocoa farmers not to be discouraged by the recent decline in cocoa prices, expressing optimism that the market will stabilize in due course.
The Chairman of CHEDSSA, Charles Owusu Appiah, explained that the visit formed part of efforts to engage farmers directly and understand their challenges.
He also urged cocoa farmers to remain patient, adding that measures are being put in place to ensure proper regulation and stability in the cocoa pricing system.
