Accra, Ghana//-Community Focus Foundation Ghana (CFF-Ghana) has commended the Government of Ghana and the management of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for releasing funds (Ghc2.6 billion) to pay cocoa farmers across the country.
This intervention provides much-needed relief to thousands of hardworking farmers whose livelihoods depend on the prompt payment of proceeds from their produce.
This commendation is contained in a press release issued and signed by the Executive Director of CFF-Ghana, Richard Kasu.
“The release of the funds is a welcome demonstration of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of cocoa farmers and sustaining Ghana’s cocoa industry, which remains one of the country’s most important sources of foreign exchange and rural employment”.
While at it, CFF-Ghana believes that timely payment to cocoa farmers should not depend on emergency interventions or ad hoc financial arrangements, the release said.
Rather, government and COCOBOD must institutionalise a predictable, transparent, and efficient farmer payment system that guarantees farmers receive payment within a specified period after delivering their cocoa.
Delayed payments impose severe financial burdens on farming households, affecting their ability to meet family needs, invest in farm maintenance, purchase inputs, pay school fees, and adequately prepare for subsequent farming seasons.
“In CFF-Ghana’s view, a reliable payment system would not only improve farmer confidence but also boost productivity, discourage cocoa smuggling, and strengthen the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa sector”.
The Foundation also encouraged greater transparency and accountability in the management of COCOBOD’s finances to ensure that sufficient resources are consistently available to meet farmers’ payment obligations without unnecessary delays.
As Ghana works towards revitalising its cocoa sector, CFF-Ghana urged all stakeholders, including the government, COCOBOD, licensed buying companies, Civil Society Organisations, the Media, farmer-based associations, financial institutions, and development partners, to collaborate to build a modern, resilient, and farmer-centred cocoa economy.
It concluded that CFF-Ghana remains committed to advocating for policies that promote sustainable agriculture, rural development, accountability, and improved livelihoods for farming communities across Ghana.
