Asetenapa Co-operative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Society Union held its 5th Annual General Meeting in Suhum, a prominent cocoa-growing district in the Eastern Region.

The meeting stated the need for chocolate companies to fulfil their promises of paying a living income to farmers, aiming to alleviate poverty in cocoa farming communities nationwide.

Key Attendees and Remarks

The AGM saw the participation of officials from COCOBOD, the Ghana Civil Society Cocoa Platform (GCCP), the Department of Co-operatives, Fair Trade Africa, Fair Trade Ghana, Agriterra, and GhaFFAP.

Mark Ayivor, President of the Asetenapa Union, addressed the gathering, noting that the co-operative fell short of the 200-ton delivery goal set by their main buyer, Tony’s Open Chain, due to unforeseen circumstances.

Despite this, he assured that the Board and Management are actively working to resolve these issues for the upcoming cocoa season.

Ayivor highlighted the restoration of their Farmer Resource Center, which now offers subsidized farm services and credit options to cooperative members.

He also acknowledged Tony’s Open Chain for increasing the price paid for their cocoa by $50 per metric ton, equating to GH₵150, to address systemic issues and ensure a larger share of premiums benefits the farmers directly.

Isaac Vifa, Manager of Asetenapa Co-operative Union, spoke about significant improvements in their management practices to boost cocoa production.

He mentioned the establishment of a procurement committee to enhance transparency and efficiency, as well as the cooperative’s successful upgrade to a union, which grants them greater influence and a stronger voice in the industry.

Support and Training Initiatives

Ama Nyame Mogyabum, Country Manager of Tony’s Open Chain, encouraged farmers to produce high-quality cocoa in response to the 100% increase in premium payments.

She outlined various support initiatives, including traceability training, advanced farming techniques, pest and disease monitoring, and economic shade tree provision.

Mogyabum also noted the importance of the Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System and the establishment of Village Savings and Loans Associations.

Peter Nii Djanie Antonio, District Extension Coordinator of COCOBOD, urged farmers to utilise COCOBOD’s Productivity Enhancement Programmes (PEPs) to combat declining cocoa yields.

He highlighted the integration of the 4Ps (Pruning, Pollination, Poultry Manure, and Protection) into Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs) and expressed his excitement over Asetenapa’s upgrade to a union.

Appreciation and Future Outlook

Farm leaders appreciated the sustainable farm training funded by Tony’s Open Chain and facilitated by COCOBOD, ICI, and Agriterra, which has significantly benefited their cocoa production.

Otubea Love of Akote Hamlet expressed gratitude to Tony’s Open Chain for their generous sponsorship, which has been instrumental in their success.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to overcoming challenges, achieving production targets, and improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers across the region.