Cocoa farmers have been urged to exercise restraint and continue to cooperate with the government to find a lasting solution to the current challenges facing the cocoa sector. 

Mr. Emmanuel Agyei, Deputy Ashanti Regional Manager of COCOBOD, in-charge of Operations, who made the call, commended cocoa farmers for working with the government and other key stakeholders to address challenges in the cocoa sector.

Addressing farmers at a rally organised by the Nkawie District of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) for cocoa farmers within the Atwima enclave at Nkawie, Mr Agyei said signals from management indicated that cocoa beans purchased in 2025, would soon be paid.

Mr Agyei advised the farmers to desist from the act of selling fertilizer they receive from the government to foreigners but rather, apply them in their farms to increase productivity.

The rally was to update the farmers on pending issues affecting the cocoa sector and sensitise them on proper farming practices.

Farmer cooperative chairpersons, chief farmers, and other farmer group leaders from Atwima Nwabiagya North and South, Atwima Mponua and Kwanwoma political districts, attended the rally and were sensitized on pruning, fertilizer application, spraying methods, among others.

Nii Koi Kotey, the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Cocoa Officer, urged farmers to practice the teachings of CHED officials to improve their yield.

He pledged to visit and inspect their operations with the officers in an upcoming pruning exercise to ensure its effectiveness and success.

Nana Achiaa Nantie, an executive member of the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association, appealed to the farmers to stop releasing their farms to illegal miners.

SOURCE ; GNA