Chiefs and cocoa farmers in the Western North Region have commended Joseph Boahen Aidoo, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), for spearheading efforts to revive diseased cocoa farms through the Cocoa Rehabilitation Initiative.

The program has brought renewed hope to the region, which has been grappling with challenges posed by the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease (CSSVD) and other crop issues.

During a series of community engagements in Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai, Wiawso, Juaboso, Bia West, and Akontombra, traditional leaders and farmers expressed deep gratitude for COCOBOD’s intervention.

They highlighted how the initiative, which provides free seedlings, fertilizers, and technical support, has significantly improved the region’s cocoa farming prospects.

Nana Kwabena Ebi II, the chief of Sehwi Akontombra, acknowledged the transformative impact of the program. “This initiative has restored our hope. Many of us feared losing our farms forever to diseases, but today, we see a promising future for cocoa farming,” he said.

Farmers also shared their optimism about the progress made. Nana Yaw Berima, Kontihene of Sehwi Yawmatwa, noted that the assistance provided by COCOBOD has revived farms that were on the brink of collapse.

“Our farms are blooming again, and we are reaping the rewards of COCOBOD’s support. The technical guidance and materials have been a game changer,” he remarked.

The Western North Region, a key cocoa-producing area, has suffered significant losses due to CSSVD, which decimated farms and impacted cocoa yields.

However, the rehabilitation program has not only restored productivity but also boosted farmers’ confidence in adopting modern farming techniques and practices.

Joseph Boahen Aidoo expressed his satisfaction with the program’s success, reiterating COCOBOD’s commitment to strengthening the cocoa sector.

“Empowering farmers and ensuring they have the necessary resources is at the heart of our mission. Revitalizing cocoa farms in this region is part of a larger vision to secure Ghana’s cocoa industry against future challenges,” he stated.

The initiative’s success is expected to reinforce Ghana’s reputation as a leading producer of high-quality cocoa globally.