The Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana (CFA Ghana) has welcomed what it describes as renewed efforts by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to strengthen consultation and collaboration with cocoa farmer organisations on policies affecting the sector.
In a statement on Monady, August 3, the Association praised the leadership of COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr. Randy Abbey for expanding engagement with farmers, saying the approach would help ensure that key decisions reflect the experiences and concerns of cocoa producers.
According to CFA Ghana, recent engagements between COCOBOD and farmer groups have focused on issues including producer payments, input distribution, operational challenges and proposed policy reforms, particularly the Cocoa Bill.
The Association noted that farmers were consulted before the proposed legislation was laid before Parliament, describing the move as a positive step towards inclusive policymaking.
Speaking after a recent meeting with executives of farmer-based organisations in Accra, President of CFA Ghana, Nana Oboadie Boateng Bonsu II, underscored the importance of sustained dialogue between COCOBOD and cocoa farmers.
“Meaningful engagement between COCOBOD and farmer organisations is essential for building trust and ensuring that decisions affecting the sector benefit from the practical experiences of cocoa farmers. We specifically thank the CEO of COCOBOD, Dr. Randy Abbey, for involving farmers in a national decision by consulting us ahead of sending the Cocoa Bill to Parliament. We encourage the continuation of this consultative approach.”
The Association said improved communication channels between COCOBOD and recognised farmer organisations have also enabled concerns from cocoa farmers to be conveyed to management in a more structured and timely manner.
CFA Ghana further stated that continued collaboration would be crucial as Ghana’s cocoa sector undergoes financial, institutional and regulatory reforms, including preparations to meet evolving international market requirements such as the European Union Deforestation Regulation.
The Association therefore called on COCOBOD to maintain regular engagement with farmer organisations, reaffirming its commitment to working with the Board and other stakeholders to support reforms aimed at improving the welfare of cocoa farmers and strengthening the country’s cocoa industry.
It also urged all stakeholders to promote professionalism, transparency and constructive dialogue, stressing that effective collaboration remains key to building a resilient and sustainable cocoa sector.
