Ghana News-Ghana’s Chief of Staff; Hon. Mrs. Frema Osei-Opare says government has identified the cocoa industry in Ghana as a “gold mine” as far as the one district, one factory policy is concerned.
To this end, the government is supporting the creation of new processing plants and revamping old ones to enhance value addition and processing of cocoa.
The Chief of Staff who was delivering the Keynote address at the maiden Green Ghana Lecture Series held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra also stressed the job creation potential of cocoa.
She stated that though the International price of cocoa has seen a decline, the government is committed to negotiating favourable terms for Ghana’s cocoa farmers.
She however lamented the current land tenure regime as a bane for the youth seeking to delve into agriculture. She also hoped that Ghana’s cocoa farming will be enhanced technologically.
The Green Ghana Lecture series; an initiative of Kuapa Kokoo and Millennium Promise Alliance forms part of activities marking the 25th anniversary celebration of Kuapa Kokoo.
Several dignitaries and entities were present at the event.
Awards
Former President Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, Former President John Agyekum Kufour, Former President John Dramani Mahama, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, Hon. Frema Osei-Opare, Flt. Lt. Joseph Atiemo, Nana Frimpong Abebrese II, Dr. Kofi Koduah Sarpong, Ms. Pauline Tiffen and Madam Fatimah Ali, received awards for their contributions to Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Panel Discussions
There were two panel discussions on varying topics related to land acquisition, access and ownership, access to farm inputs and extension services, young women in cocoa farming, attracting the youth into cocoa farming, cocoa pricing,value addition among others.
What do you think about this piece? Share your comment in the comment thread and share the story using the social media buttons above. Thank you.