CARE International and Cargill have launched the fourth phase of their PROSPER project in Ghana. This expansion will involve 128 cocoa communities. The project aims to reach 16,850 people in total. It will run for three years, starting in 2025 and concluding in 2028. Women are a key focus, with 60% of beneficiaries expected to be female.
The PROSPER programme’s fourth phase, PROSPER IV, aims to boost the resilience of cocoa farming communities. It will promote gender equality and improve child protection. The project will also develop more varied ways for people to earn a living. This expansion adds 20 new communities in the Sefwi Akontombra, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Districts, and Sefwi Wiawso Municipal in the Western North region. These areas are important for cocoa production in Ghana.
PROSPER began in 2016 and has a successful track record. The previous phase, PROSPER III, reached over 364,000 people. This happened across 265 communities in four regions. It improved women's economic power, food security, and market access. PROSPER IV will concentrate on five main areas. These include financial inclusion, livelihood diversification, education, child protection, and gender social norms. These areas are vital for building stronger communities.
Zakaria Yakubu, Head of Programs at CARE International in Ghana, highlighted the ongoing partnership with Cargill. He noted their shared goal of supporting cocoa farming families. Joshua Quansah, Sustainability Coordinator at Cargill Ghana, reaffirmed the company’s commitment. Cargill has been involved in Ghana's cocoa sector for over 40 years. This new phase continues their long-term engagement in community development.
District assembly officials and government partners attended the launch. They shared their expectations for collaboration. Community members also voiced their hopes for the project. Patrick Atubga from the Western North Regional Coordinating Council praised the project’s integrated approach. He pledged support for the community action plans. The project's inclusive strategy aims to ensure local needs guide its implementation.
CARE International is a global humanitarian organisation fighting poverty. They focus on empowering women and girls. In their fiscal year 2025, CARE reached nearly 59 million people worldwide. CARE began working in Ghana in 1994. They have since worked to improve livelihoods and achieve social justice. In FY25, CARE Ghana reached over 522,000 people.
Cargill is a large company providing food, agriculture, and industrial products. They employ 155,000 people in 70 countries. Cargill opened a cocoa processing facility in Tema, Ghana, in 2008. They also operate a licensed buying company, focusing on sustainability and traceability. Their involvement in Ghana supports both the cocoa industry and local communities.