The Ashanti Regional branch of Ghana Cocobod has announced a new initiative aimed at introducing cocoa farming in senior high schools (SHS) across the country.
This move is expected to instil an appreciation for cocoa production among students while curbing issues such as illegal mining (galamsey) and cocoa smuggling.
According to Mr William Prempeh, Ashanti Regional Manager of Cocobod, the initiative, which began last year with eight schools, will be expanded in 2025.
The organization is set to provide selected schools with cocoa seedlings to kick-start plantations. This aligns with the vision of the Minister of Food and Agriculture, who recently expressed interest in integrating cocoa farming into school programs during his vetting.
“We have started an initiative of raising cocoa farms in senior high schools. Last year, we introduced the project in eight schools, and we plan to expand it this year. This aligns with the vision of the Minister of Food and Agriculture, who expressed interest in planting cocoa in schools during his vetting. By growing cocoa on school grounds, we can help prevent issues like illegal mining and smuggling while also fostering a love for cocoa production among students.” Mr Prempeh said in an interview.
As part of the initiative, schoolchildren between the ages of 8 and 12 have also been taken to cocoa farms to gain first-hand experience of the farming process, the Ashanti Cocobod manager further hinted.
Cocobod believes that early exposure to cocoa farming will inspire the next generation to take an active interest in the sector.
“In the Ashanti Region, we have launched this initiative and will be providing schools with seeds to start their plantations. We have also taken schoolchildren aged 8 to 12 to cocoa farms to introduce them to the farming process and inspire an interest in cocoa cultivation. The more cocoa we plant in schools, the better students will understand its importance, ultimately contributing to increased production.” Prempeh added.
The initiative is expected to not only increase local cocoa production but also educate young Ghanaians about the economic significance of cocoa farming, which remains a crucial pillar of the nation’s economy.
With continuous expansion and support, Cocobod believes that this program could play a vital role in sustaining Ghana’s cocoa industry for future generations.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/Joseph Marfo
