The Sefwi Bonzanhene, who is acting as the Paramount Chief of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, has urged cocoa farmers to make effective use of the government’s free fertiliser distribution programme to increase productivity and improve their incomes.
He said the initiative was an important intervention to strengthen Ghana’s cocoa sector and improve the livelihoods of farming households.
Speaking at the COCOBOD free fertiliser distribution programme in the region over the weekend, the chief said the presence of stakeholders at the event demonstrated their collective commitment to the growth and sustainability of the cocoa industry.
He commended cocoa farmers for their dedication and sacrifices over the years, noting that their contribution had helped sustain Ghana’s reputation as a producer of premium-quality cocoa on the international market.
The chief described the Western Region as a longstanding centre of cocoa production but said the spread of the cocoa swollen shoot disease had destroyed thousands of hectares of cocoa farms, affecting production and the livelihoods of farmers.
He said the free fertiliser programme would help strengthen the sector and support efforts to improve cocoa production.
The Sefwi Bonzanhene therefore encouraged farmers to use the fertiliser strictly for its intended purpose and follow the recommended application procedures to achieve the best results.
He urged them to regard the programme as an investment in their farms, their livelihoods and the future of the country.
The programme is being implemented by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) as part of efforts to support cocoa farmers and improve productivity in the sector.
