The relaunch of Ghana Cocoa Board’s (COCOBOD) free fertiliser and agro-input programme in Sefwi-Wiawso was nearly halted when cocoa sprayers protested over unpaid allowances dating back five to six months.
The workers, wearing their field uniforms, confronted organisers during the Western North Regional ceremony, saying poor working conditions had made it impossible for them to continue without payment.
“The leadership of the cocoa farmers does not think about us, the field workers,” one sprayer said.
“We have worked for about five to six months without receiving pay. How do you want us to survive?”
Another worker said the sprayers’ role in the programme was being overlooked.
“We are the ones who go into the farms to spray the cocoa trees, yet we are being treated as if we do not matter,” the field worker said.
“If we are to support this new programme, we must also be taken care of.”
The protest was eventually calmed, allowing COCOBOD to formally relaunch the nationwide distribution of free agricultural inputs. The scheme will provide cocoa farmers with fertilisers, insecticides, fungicides and safety equipment.
COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer Dr Randy Abbey has instructed extension officers to register farmers digitally. The move forms part of wider reforms intended to improve farmers’ livelihoods, while digital tracking will be used in the implementation of the programme.
Addressing the protesting workers, COCOBOD Board Chairman Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo said financial clearance had been obtained and that the six months of outstanding allowances had been paid.
“I understand the grievances of the sprayers, but the CEO has informed me that your arrears have been paid and you will receive the alert soon,” he said.
Dr Ofosu-Ampofo recently withdrew from the NDC national chairmanship race to concentrate on his government responsibilities.
Under revised payment arrangements announced at the ceremony, sprayers will receive GH¢700 per month. The monthly allowance for mechanics and security personnel has also been increased to GH¢700 from GH¢500.
COCOBOD has additionally doubled loading and offloading fees for chemicals by 100 per cent, raising the payment from 50 pesewas to GH¢1.
The changes follow earlier steps by COCOBOD to release funds to settle outstanding debts within the cocoa sector.
“This adjustment addresses long-standing concerns and demonstrates our recognition of the important contribution made by the men and women who work tirelessly to ensure the full implementation of our field operations,” Dr Ofosu-Ampofo said.
