The government has officially launched a new tertiary scholarship scheme specifically designed for the children of cocoa farmers.

This initiative aims to improve access to higher education for students from cocoa-growing areas, recognising the vital role cocoa plays in Ghana's economy and the need to support the families who drive this sector.

The scholarship programme, a collaborative effort between the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Ministry of Education, is set to provide financial assistance for tuition fees, accommodation, and stipends for eligible students pursuing various tertiary education programmes across the country, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson said on Monday, August 4.

"President John Mahama has introduced a tertiary education scholarship scheme for children of cocoa farmers. Subsequently, in the 2025/2026 season. The Cocobod will develop modalities and implement the cocoa tertiary scholarship scheme for children of cocoa farmers, which will take effect from the 2026 and 2027 academic years," Dr Ato Forson stated.

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must demonstrate proof of their parents' or guardians' active involvement in cocoa farming, meet specific academic requirements set by COCOBOD, and gain admission to a recognised tertiary institution.

This initiative is a direct response to long-standing advocacy from farmer groups and civil society organisations who have consistently called for greater investment in cocoa-dependent communities.

Historically, while cocoa has been the backbone of Ghana's economy, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings (estimated at over $2.5 billion annually), many cocoa farming areas still grapple with poverty and limited access to essential services, including quality education beyond the basic level.

The scholarship programme is expected to significantly address educational disparities between urban and rural areas.

Data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) indicates that while national tertiary enrolment rates have steadily increased over the past decade, students from rural, agricultural communities often face greater financial hurdles and fewer opportunities to access higher education.

This scholarship aims to bridge that gap, empowering a new generation from cocoa-farming backgrounds to pursue professional careers.

Beyond financial aid, the scheme is also anticipated to inspire more youth in cocoa-growing regions to aspire for higher education, potentially leading to a more skilled workforce that could eventually contribute to innovation and value addition within the agricultural sector itself.

This scholarship scheme builds on existing COCOBOD initiatives, such as the Cocoa Farmers' Scholarship Scheme for secondary education, which has benefited thousands of students over the years.

By extending support to the tertiary level, the government hopes to create a seamless educational pathway for cocoa farmers' children, ensuring they have the tools to achieve their full potential and break cycles of poverty.