The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has relaunched its Free Fertiliser and Agro-Input Distribution Programme at Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region, with a digital tracking system to stop smuggling and diversion.
COCOBOD Chief Executive Dr Randy Abbey said the programme is part of broader reforms to revitalise the cocoa sector and raise farmer incomes. The programme will provide 3.5 million bags of granular fertiliser, 1.8 million litres of liquid fertiliser, 2.3 million litres of insecticide, and 1.5 million kilograms of fungicide.
The digital tracking system will ensure that only farmers with mapped farms registered on COCOBOD's digital Cocoa Management System (CMS) qualify for inputs. Beneficiaries must verify their identity at collection points using a Ghana Card, farmer identification card, or biometrics.
Dr Abbey warned that any officer, buyer, or individual found diverting, hoarding, reselling, or smuggling these inputs will be dealt with according to the law.
The relaunch of the programme is part of Ghana's efforts to improve cocoa production and increase farmer incomes. Ghana is one of the world's largest cocoa producers, and the cocoa sector is a significant contributor to the country's economy. The programme will help to remove financial barriers to high yields and improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers in Ghana.
Dr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, COCOBOD Board Chairman, added that the state has supplied about 27,000 new pneumatic and motorised spraying machines this year, bringing the national fleet to roughly 67,000 machines supported by 5.7 million litres of pre-mixed fuel. This will help cocoa farmers improve yields and earnings.
The relaunch of the programme has significant implications for Ghana's economy and the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. The digital tracking system will help to prevent smuggling and diversion, ensuring that inputs reach the intended beneficiaries. The programme will also help to improve cocoa production, increase farmer incomes, and contribute to Ghana's economic growth.