The government has procured more than 3.5 million packs of granular fertilizer, alongside millions of litres of agrochemicals, for distribution to cocoa farmers across Ghana under the relaunched Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Free Fertilizer Programme.
The initiative is aimed at improving cocoa production, increasing farm yields and supporting the livelihoods of cocoa farmers through the provision of essential agricultural inputs at no cost.
Speaking at the official relaunch of the programme in Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region, COCOBOD Board Chairman, Dr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, announced that the distribution of the farm inputs had already commenced nationwide.
According to him, more than 3.5 million packs of granular fertilizer have been purchased, with approximately 1.2 million packs already delivered to cocoa farmers.
COCOBOD Procures Millions of Litres of Agricultural Inputs
Dr Ofosu Ampofo disclosed that the free fertilizer package extends beyond granular fertilizer to include substantial quantities of other agricultural chemicals required to improve cocoa farm productivity.
The procured inputs comprise:
- 3.5 million packs of granular fertilizer.
- 1.8 million litres of liquid fertilizer.
- 2.3 million litres of insecticides.
- 1.5 million kilogrammes of fungicides.
- 5.7 million litres of premix fuel for cocoa farm spraying operations.
The COCOBOD Chairman explained that the distribution of these inputs forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen Ghana’s cocoa industry, tackle crop diseases and improve productivity across the country’s cocoa-growing communities.
COCOBOD Increases Allowances for Cocoa Farm Sprayers
As part of measures to improve working conditions and motivate personnel involved in cocoa farm operations, COCOBOD has increased monthly allowances for sprayers, quarter-pack mechanics and security personnel.
Dr Ofosu Ampofo announced that the monthly allowances for these categories of workers had been increased from GH¢500 to GH¢700.
The Board has also doubled the fees paid for loading and offloading agrochemicals, increasing the amount from 50 pesewas to GH¢1 per package.
He explained that the adjustments were introduced to address longstanding concerns about workers’ compensation and recognise the important role field personnel play in implementing cocoa farm management programmes.
89,000 PPE Sets Procured for Cocoa Farm Workers
COCOBOD has also strengthened occupational health and safety measures by procuring 89,000 sets of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for workers involved in cocoa farm spraying and other field operations.
The protective equipment includes Wellington boots, overalls, respirators, overcoats, hats and safety goggles.
The items are intended for sprayers, mechanics, task force personnel and society chief farmers to minimise their exposure to harmful agricultural chemicals.
Dr Ofosu Ampofo emphasised that protecting cocoa farms against pests and diseases must go hand in hand with ensuring the health and safety of workers.
He further revealed that, for the first time in the country’s history, all chief farmers nationwide had been provided with personal protective equipment to protect them from exposure to agrochemicals during pre-spraying activities.
Government Provides 14 New Premix Fuel Storage Tanks
To address persistent logistical challenges and fuel shortages affecting cocoa farm operations, the government has made provisions for 14 new premix fuel storage tanks.
Each tank has a storage capacity of 40,000 litres, providing an additional combined storage capacity of 560,000 litres.
The investment is expected to improve fuel availability, support spraying operations and reduce logistical difficulties experienced by cocoa farmers and field personnel.
Additionally, COCOBOD has provided nine 14-foot containers to improve the storage and management of agricultural inputs across the cocoa-producing areas.
Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council Welcomes Free Fertilizer Programme
Meanwhile, the Acting President of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Council, Nana Ofori Ahenkan, has commended the government for relaunching the COCOBOD Free Fertilizer Programme.
He said the initiative would play an important role in protecting the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry while improving the economic well-being of cocoa farming households.
The traditional leader expressed optimism that providing farmers with free fertilizers, agrochemicals and other essential agricultural inputs would strengthen cocoa production and support sustainable livelihoods in cocoa-growing communities.
The relaunch of the programme represents a renewed effort to support cocoa farmers, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen Ghana’s position as a leading cocoa-producing country.
Source: newsthemegh.com