The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), is now focusing on Feeder and Primary roads under the Cocoa Roads Rehabilitation Programme.
The aim is to facilitate the supply of Cocoa farm inputs and the transportation of cocoa beans.
Management of COCOBOD, has rolled out several initiatives aimed at halting the devastation of cocoa farms by the Swollen Shoot Disease.
This will be done by cutting down diseased trees and replanting with hybrid and disease resistant variety, as well as the adoption of innovative approach, such as the manual pruning of cocoa trees to increase yield.
These measures have been embraced by cocoa farmers, though some agronomic practices, particularly the application of weedicides, which are inimical, are gaining grounds on the farms.
The devastation of cocoa farms by the Cocoa Swollen Shoot Virus Disease, the bad nature of roads leading to cocoa growing areas among other challenges negatively impact on cocoa farming in the country.
It is based on this premise, that, the management of COCOBOD engaged with members of the Western Regional House of Chiefs to update them on the status of the cocoa industry and seek their cooperation on measures put in place to increase Ghana’s annual production to the target of million tonnes and over.
The Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo explained to the chiefs the essence of the Comprehensive Farmer Database which COCOBOD is embarking upon.
He called for their support explaining that, it will enhance policy formulation.
He also touched on the cocoa roads rehabilitation programme with a new focus on feeder and primary cocoa roads.
The President of the Western Region House of Chiefs, Ogyeahoho Yaw Gyebi appealed to COCOBOD to do more to sustain growth to avoid the growing phenomenon where some farmers are now opting for rubber instead of cocoa.
