ABUAKWA NORTH MP URGES COCOA FARMERS TO AVOID SMUGGLING AS GOVERNMENT INVESTS IN INDUSTRY GROWTH

The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North Constituency, Honorable Dr. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, who also served as the former Deputy Minister of Education in charge of Technical and Vocational Education, has called on cocoa farmers to desist from selling their produce to foreigners. She urged them to stop smuggling cocoa beans to neighboring countries, emphasizing that such actions undermine the government’s significant investments in the cocoa industry.

Speaking at the launch of the Abuakwa North Municipal Co-operative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Union Limited in Akyem New Tafo on the 18th October, 2024, Hon. Dr. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, popularly known as Hajia Kande, highlighted the efforts made by the government led by President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to revitalize the cocoa sector. She acknowledged that illegal mining has taken a toll on cocoa vegetation, but stressed that the government’s investments have kept the industry vibrant.

Hon. Twum-Ampofo expressed her excitement about the formation of the new cooperative union, noting that the Abuakwa North Constituency has long hosted the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana. She believes that the establishment of the union will greatly benefit cocoa farmers by providing them with economic opportunities and a platform to enhance their productivity.

During her address, she also took the opportunity to rally support for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming general elections. She urged farmers to vote for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Nana Kwame Addo Ampaw Frempong, popularly known as Chief Buffalo, highlighting the continued benefits of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy under the NPP. She warned that a change in government could lead to the cancellation of this policy, affecting cocoa farmers who have yet to benefit from the Cocoa Scholarships.

Mr. Enock Osei, Chairman of the newly established cooperative union, explained that the decision to form the union was driven by the need for collective strength. He noted that the cooperative is an amalgamation of ten community-based societies, united to form a stronger organization capable of addressing the challenges faced by cocoa farmers in the region.

Mr. Osei highlighted some of the challenges the union faces, such as collecting monthly dues due to the seasonal nature of cocoa income. However, he acknowledged the support of Solidaridad, an NGO that assists the union with education and information. He also appealed to the government to consistently supply farm inputs to boost cocoa production and protect the farms. He emphasized that with the formation of regional and national unions, they would intensify efforts to combat illegal mining that threatens cocoa cultivation.

Chairing the event, Daasebre Adusei Peasah IV, Akyem Tafohene, expressed his deep appreciation for the formation of the union. He emphasized that the cooperative would significantly augment cocoa production in the area, enhancing the livelihoods of farmers and contributing to the broader economic development of the region.

The launch of the Abuakwa North Municipal Co-operative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Union Limited marks a pivotal step towards strengthening the cocoa sector, safeguarding farmers’ interests, and ensuring sustainable growth in the face of challenges like illegal mining and fluctuating market conditions.