In a bid to appreciate cocoa farmers in Ghana, Federated Commodities Limited (FEDCO), has announced a new cash premium for the 2022–2023 crop year.

FEDCO says cocoa farmers will enjoy a new premium package that will make cocoa farming easier.

The Managing Director of FEDCO, Adamu-Zibo, stated at the 5th annual premium ceremony that the 2022–2023 crop year will see a new cash premium of $70 per ton, which has been made possible through several partnerships.

She announced that this new crop year, our farmers will enjoy one of the biggest premiums per bag they have ever had over the years.

The 2022–2023 crop year is the first time the new cash premium of $70 per ton for farmers comes into force.

All partners have complied with this directive. Some of our clients have already committed to paying above the minimum array price, while others have undertaken several projects to support the various communities.”

She added that FEDCO, together with its partners, has invested over 13 million dollars in the sustainability project since 2012, which is equivalent to GH150.00, to show how committed FEDCO is to the sustainability of farming.

“This year alone, we have supplied over 20,000 metric tons of sustainable beans to our partners and trained over 27,000 farmers.

"We have also embarked on several projects, including the supply of shade trees, farm inputs, and tricycles to some communities, as well as farmer training in soap making, grasscutter rearing, and a demonstration plot.”

She highlighted other projects the company has undertaken, including the completion of three new schools with computer labs and libraries, among other facilities, this year, bringing the total number of schools completed by FEDCO to nine.

She mentioned that FEDCO does not only offer certification projects but also child labour monitoring activities and environmental degradation projects.

The Director of COCOBOD for  Special Services, Charles Amenyaglo, who was also at the ceremony dubbed “Creating an enabling environment for a vibrant cocoa industry,” admonished people to desist from activities that hinder farmers from reaping their desired benefits, calling it disheartening.

“These activities include the smuggling of Ghana’s cocoa beans to neighbouring countries. Some people who are not accredited representatives of any licensed cocoa-buying company go around cocoa-growing communities to buy cocoa beans, which they in turn smuggle outside the country.

"Such activities do not only deprive farmers of the benefits of their premium but also undermine the efforts of COCOBOD to strengthen Ghana’s economy through higher cocoa production.”

He revealed that these unauthorized persons risk prison terms and added that COCOBOD has put in place a reward for informants and arresting officials.

Some beneficiaries at the ceremony shared their gratitude with FEDCO and lauded its continued support for farmers and farming activities.