Cocoa farmers have been urged to exercise restraint and continue to cooperate with the government to find a lasting solution to the current challenges facing the cocoa sector.

Emmanuel Agyei, Deputy Ashanti Regional Manager of COCOBOD and head of Operations, who made the call, commended cocoa farmers for working with the government and other key stakeholders to address challenges in the cocoa sector.

Addressing farmers at a rally organised by the Nkawie District of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) for cocoa farmers within the Atwima enclave at Nkawie, Mr Agyei said signals from management indicated that cocoa beans purchased in 2025 would soon be paid.

Mr Agyei advised the farmers to refrain from selling the fertiliser they receive from the government to foreigners and instead apply it on their farms to increase productivity.

The rally was to update farmers on pending issues affecting the cocoa sector and to sensitise them to proper farming practices.

Farmer cooperative chairpersons, chief farmers, and other farmer group leaders from the Atwima Nwabiagya North and South, Atwima Mponua, and Kwanwoma political districts attended the rally and were sensitised on pruning, fertiliser application, and spraying methods, among other topics.

Nii Koi Kotey, the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipal Cocoa Officer, urged farmers to practice the teachings of CHED officials to improve their yield.

He pledged to visit and inspect their operations with the officers in an upcoming pruning exercise to ensure their effectiveness and success.

Nana Achiaa Nantie, an executive member of the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association, appealed to farmers to stop allowing illegal miners onto their farms.