Akufo-Addo extends cocoa scholarships to tertiary level, raises cocoa price at National Farmers Day

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has directed the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to extend scholarships to the children of cocoa farmers for tertiary education, a transformative move that ensures all cocoa farmers’ children qualify for free higher education through the Cocoa Scholarship program.

This announcement was made during the 40th National Farmers Day Awards and Dinner Night, held last Friday in Accra under the theme, “Building Climate Resilient Agriculture for Sustainable Food Security.”

The event drew dignitaries from across the nation, including award-winning farmers, ministers of state, Members of Parliament, and other stakeholders.

“The Cocoa Scholarship has long been a source of relief for parents, helping them pay for their children’s education,” the President stated.

“However, with the introduction of Free Senior High School, this objective has become moot. Today, I have directed COCOBOD to extend scholarships to every cocoa farmer’s child at the tertiary level.”

He noted that cocoa farmers, now registered through the Cocoa Management System, can be easily tracked for scholarship allocation.

The President also announced a new increase in the cocoa producer price, raising it from GH¢48,000 to GH¢49,600 per tonne (or from GH¢3,000 to GH¢3,100 per bag), aimed at restoring and sustaining farmer incomes amid shifting market conditions.

In addressing climate resilience in agriculture, the President underscored that empowering farmers with information and essential resources is vital in combating climate unpredictability.

He emphasised government investments in irrigation infrastructure and climate-resilient crop varieties to combat erratic rainfall in rain-fed agriculture. He also announced a 6,000-tonne silo in Kwahu Eastern District to store staples as part of the nation’s strategic grain reserve.

Adding his voice to the President’s concerns, the 2024 National Best Farmer, Nana Owusu Achiaw, acknowledged the President’s efforts in celebrating the achievements of farmers but raised a critical point on the impact of climate change on agriculture, stating that “the changes in climate, combined with human activity, pose a serious threat to our food security.”

He called for concerted action among stakeholders to tackle land degradation and other climate challenges affecting food production.

Mr. Owusu Achiaw, founder of North American Farms, which employs 168 people and cultivates crops like cocoa and cashew, was awarded GH¢1 million, sponsored by ADB Bank Plc.

Nassam Fuseini of Yendi Municipality, who placed as the first runner-up, received a tractor, trailer, disc plough, and boom sprayer, sponsored by Ghana Exim Bank.

Ransford Kwaku Otopa Atiemo, the second runner-up from Ayensuano District, was awarded a tractor and implements, courtesy of Stanbic Bank.