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Dr. Francis Baah, former Executive Director of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), revealed that alongside scientific assessments of agrochemicals and fertilizers, the Division also conducts evaluations based on farmers’ perceptions of these products.
Speaking at the Accra High Court as a subpoenaed witness for Mr. Seidu Agongo, a businessman, Dr. Baah explained that when assessing the suitability of fertilizers for cocoa in Ghana, the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) is responsible for scientific evaluation.
However, he emphasized that another level of evaluation occurs within the extension wing of COCOBOD, known as CHED, where farmers’ perceptions and reactions to the products are considered.
Dr. Baah clarified that this type of evaluation is not exclusive to CRIG, indicating that once a product is approved by COCOBOD, it undergoes further evaluation through farmers’ feedback.
He noted that while other fertilizers may have been supplied to farmers, based on his recollection and field reports, no single farmer typically receives more than one fertilizer per year, particularly from COCOBOD.
During cross-examination led by Mrs. Evelyn Keelson, Chief State Attorney, in the trial involving Dr. Stephen Opuni, former Chief Executive of COCOBOD, and Mr. Agongo, both facing charges including defrauding by false pretences and causing financial loss to the State, Dr. Baah reiterated that farmers in Ghana primarily rely on fertilizers supplied by COCOBOD, as per published data.
Dr. Baah’s testimony sheds light on the comprehensive evaluation process undertaken by COCOBOD to ensure the quality and suitability of agrochemicals and fertilizers for cocoa farming in Ghana.
