A delegation of 14 National Best Cocoa Farmers from Ghana is set to embark on an educational and familiarization trip to the United Kingdom. This group, consisting of both current and past award winners from 2019 to 2023, will engage in various activities aimed at promoting Ghana’s cocoa sector and gaining insights into the international cocoa trading system.
The delegation’s itinerary includes visits to renowned cocoa processing factories such as Cadbury and Mars. They will also meet with the Ghanaian business community in the UK and pay a courtesy call to the Ghana High Commission. Additionally, the farmers will visit the Cocoa Research Institute of the United Kingdom to learn about its operations and research into cocoa.
Key highlights of the trip include participation in a Town Hall Meeting and the UK-Ghana Business Forum, which will be attended by the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana. The delegation will also hold a meeting with the management of the Ghana International Bank (GIB-UK).
Mr. Fiifi Boafo, Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD, highlighted the numerous benefits of the trip, such as knowledge exchange, skills development, market access, and understanding consumer preferences, quality standards, and market demands. He noted that this initiative demonstrates COCOBOD’s commitment to empowering farmers, fostering innovation, and strengthening the cocoa industry.
Mr. Boafo emphasized the pivotal role cocoa farmers play in Ghana’s economy and the potential for growth through knowledge sharing in advanced farming techniques. “The objective of management is to empower our hardworking farmers by exposing them to global trends and building their confidence in the sector,” he stated.
The delegation is expected to return to Ghana on Thursday, June 27.
