The President of the Republic,  Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has announced a new producer price for cocoa beans with a bag to sell at GhC 1,308.00.

Speaking during the official ceremony to open the new cocoa season at Tepa on Saturday, the President stated the new increment is 63.5% percent from the earlier price where the beans sold at GhC 800.00.

The President said by this increment, a tonne for the beans that sold at GhC 12, 800.00 will now sell at GhC 20, 983.00

“I am happy to announce that the new producer price for cocoa beans per tonne is now GHC 20, 983.00 which means a bag is now GhC 1,308.00. This new increment is higest ever since the one announced about 50 years ago”, the President stated.

Details:

The President commended Ghana Cocobod for initiating policies and programs that are increasing crop yield.

He said the implementation of the Cocoa Marketing Systems (CMS) by Cocobod had ensured that the industry has data on cocoa farmers and details of their farm size.

The President noted that other initiatives and incentives including fertiliser supply and modern technology planting systems have enhanced crop production and yields.

“I am encouraged that the Ministry of Agric and the Ghana Cocobod are committed into using innovation, impactful measures and good pricing to encourage farmers in the cocoa production sector”, the President stated.

Agric Minister:

Dr Byran Acheampong, the Agric Minister also praised Cocobod for showing commitment to making the cocoa production sector a lucrative one.

He, however, stated that the pressing danger was illegal mining where large tracts of farm lands of cocoa are being destroyed due to the operations of these miners.

The Minister also revealed that some unscrupulous persons were heavily engaged in the smuggling of the beans to neighbouring countries but noted that he was personally committed to halting the menace.

“I am announcing today that as a personal commitment i will lead a war against smuggling so that we nip this illegal act in the bud”, the Minister posited.

Cocobod CEO:

Hon Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive Officer for Cocobod thanked the President for showing commitment to the course Cocobod and farmers.

He noted that apart from the yearly increment of cocoa beans and other incentives for farmers, the President had also supported Cocobod in implementing measures that has helped in cocoa production.

The CEO stated that the current pruning regime and pollination strategy has ensured high crop yield.

“Our pruning and pollination methods are ensuring high yields and currently some trees in the Western and Western North regions were producing between 1,800 and 2000 pods per season”, the CEO noted.

Chiefs:

Tepamanhene, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem who chaired the ceremony commended the President for showing support to the cocoa industry.

Incentives and measures in the industry by the President, the Chief stated has yielded positive outcomes but pleaded that roads in Tepa especially those within cocoa growing areas were made accessible for farm operations.

Representative of Otumfuo, the Esumegyahene Odeneho Nana Okyere Kusi conveyed the appreciation of the Asante King to the President for his dedication to the welfare and safety of farmers across Ghana.

He asked that more incentives are channeled into cocoa production so that the industry could regain the enviable title of being the backbone of the economy.

Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,

 Kumasi.