The Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Ransford Anerty Abbey, has promised to prioritise the welfare of cocoa farmers during his tenure.
He said the welfare of cocoa farmers were paramount because without them "there is no cocoa industry and COCOBOD will not be in existence." Dr Abbey said this yesterday at a meeting between him and cocoa farmers with the aim of fostering dialogue and addressing key issues affecting the cocoa industry.
He said "the President has made me aware that welfare of cocoa farmers is important to him and that everything I do, the welfare of cocoa farmers should be of importance." According to Dr Abbey, there were a lot of challenges affecting the cocoa industry citing climate change, low production, cocoa pricing, pest infestation, and overgrown cocoa trees as well as illegal mining commonly known as 'galamsey.' He said, he was of the view that Ghana would be able to increase its production of cocoa when farmers and COCOBOD work together.
The Acting CEO of COCOBOD pledged his readiness to work with the farmers in order for them to achieve a common goal.
