Story By: Akua Oteng Amponsah
President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to expand Ghana’s cocoa sector by adding 200,000 hectares of cocoa farms to the country’s production capacity.
Speaking on Saturday, May 31, during his national Thank You tour in the Ahafo Region, Mahama emphasized his government’s commitment to reviving the once-thriving cocoa industry.
“Plans are underway to revamp the collapsed cocoa sector. Incentives will be provided to our hardworking farmers to increase cocoa production. We aim to add 200,000 hectares of cocoa to Ghana’s output to increase the income of our farmers,” he stated.
President Mahama also disclosed that the Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Randy Abbey, had informed him that a new cocoa producer price will be announced in August, which he assured farmers would be “a very good price.”
“So those of you who do not have cocoa farms, go and start looking for land and start planting cocoa,” he encouraged.
Ghana’s cocoa sector has faced significant setbacks in recent years, including declining yields, smuggling, and pricing challenges.
The proposed expansion is seen as a key step toward transforming agriculture and ensuring economic sustainability through strategic investment in one of Ghana’s most valuable export commodities.
The president’s renewed focus on cocoa is expected to not only restore confidence among farmers but also help boost foreign exchange earnings and job creation in cocoa-growing communities.
With this initiative, Mahama aims to revitalize the sector and improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers across the country.
