The government is transforming the Senior High School-level Cocobod Scholarships Scheme into tertiary-level scholarships through the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod).
The decision follows the successful implementation of the Free Senior High School program, which covers some of the costs of books, uniforms, tuition, food, and housing as well as other expenses.
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia has so stated that children of cocoa farmers who previously benefited from the Cocoa Scholarships Scheme will now be eligible for tertiary-level scholarships.
Speaking at Jacobu in the Ashanti Region’s Amansie Central District on Friday, November 8, 2024, as part of this year’s Farmers Day celebration, Dr. Bawumia, who is also the NPP’s flagbearer, made the revelation.
According to the vice president, Ghana now boasts the third-highest level of food security in Africa as a result of several interventions and significant investments made in the agriculture and fisheries sectors during the previous eight years.
“Our commitment to the growth of the agriculture sector has been unwavering, with many visible results. For instance, we have implemented the Planting for Food and Jobs programme, which has positively impacted our food security through its multi-faceted approach. 80 Warehouses have been constructed under One District One Warehouse. 400 dams have been constructed under One Village One Dam. 70% of the 169 factories under the One District One Factory programme are for agro-processing.
“This government has raised the price of a bag of cocoa from Ghs475 in 2016 to Ghs3,000, unprecedented in our history. The Cocoa Rehabilitation programme, which saw the cutting down of diseased trees and the replanting of new crops and improved varieties has been very successful. As you know, plantain suckers were also planted for free to provide a livelihood and income to the farmers while the Cocoa grows,” he reiterated.
“We would not be here today without you,” Dr. Bawumia said, praising Ghana’s farmers and fishermen for their dedication to feeding the country and creating jobs.
“I am highly appreciative of all the work you continue to do and under my Government, I will set up District Agric Mechanization Centres to provide the knowledge and equipment to help you do even more for mother Ghana” , he stated.
Source: newsthemegh.com