The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) says the new cocoa crop season which starts tomorrow, September 10, 2024 will be opened with its proposed self-financing plan.

The Finance Minister, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam has also indicated that the government will be seeking some external funding to support the cocoa sector. 

The Chief Executive of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has disclosed that the target for the next season has been reviewed down by 19.8 percent due to the unprecedented dry spell witnessed this year.

He recalled that harsh weather conditions have made it difficult for many farmers in the Bono and Western North regions to have a successful planting season.

“The coming season, we initially projected 810,000 metric tonnes but we have reviewed it to 650,000 metric tonnes. This is occasioned by what is happening in West Africa. There is a dry spell. Very unusual. It’s cloudy but it’s not raining”, he said.

Mr. Boahen Aidoo said there are plans in place to boost production in the next six years by producing over 200,000 metric tonnes of cocoa beans.

He assured that the measures have been initiated to replace old trees that are unable to flower.

“We have put in place an elaborate measure to support the farmers with fertilizers and extension officers. For the first time in many years COCOBOD has helped the farmers with pruning”.

He is optimistic all the measures outlined will yield positive results in the medium term.

“Cocoa trees are economic trees that bring in foreign earnings. It is the reason why COCOBOD has made it a point to always support farmers to keep the plants alive and flowery”.