Work is progressing steadily to attain the production of one million tonnes of cocoa annually ahead of the 2012 deadline, Dr. Yaw Kuranchie, Board Chairman of Ghana Cocoa Board, said on Tuesday. He said the current 850,000 tonnes per annum was an indication that attainment of the goal was realistic and within reach. Dr Kuranchie was speaking at the inauguration of a 13-member National Steering Committee for the rollout of the New Cocoa Extension Service in Accra. The Committee was set up to implement interventions to ensure that cocoa producing communities thrived for sustainable cocoa supply. It is expected to meet the information needs of cocoa farmers through the implementation of a co-ordinated and interactive communication strategy as well as to build the capacity of extension agents to serve as “storehouses” of cocoa-based knowledge and skills. Dr Kuranchie said he was confident the committee members would work hard to positively transform the socio-economic fortunes of cocoa farmers. Mr Anthony Fofie, Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board, expressed the hope that members of the committee would live up to expectation. “We are confident that their track record and experience are sufficient to drive an effective cocoa extension service for the industry,” he said. The occasion was also used to launch a manual on sustainable cocoa production and a 2011 Extension Activity calendar for the farmers. Members of the committee include The Rev. K. Abaka-Ewusi Chairman, Mr Abraham Opoku, Mr Charles Hagan, Mr Vince Macleer, Mr Hans Perks, Mrs Yaa Pepra Amekudzi and Dr Anniemarroe Mathess. The rest are Mr Noah Amenya, Mr K. B. Prempeh, Dr F.M. Amoah, Dr Ernest Laryea Okorley, Dr Kwame Amezah and Mr Fuseini Baba-Seidu. Source: GNA