The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced its decision to stop constructing cocoa roads once the ongoing projects are finished. COCOBOD initiated the Cocoa Road Programme to address transportation challenges for delivering agricultural inputs to cocoa farmers and facilitating cocoa bean evacuation.
During the 50th Anniversary Celebration symposium of the Cocoa Clinic, CEO Joseph Boahen Aidoo explained that this change in policy resulted from discussions with the European Union and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Both organizations raised concerns about COCOBOD’s involvement in road construction, suggesting a focus on its core functions.
Mr. Boahen stated, “Last year, a team from the EU conducted a thorough assessment of sustainable production. They questioned why COCOBOD was engaged in cocoa road construction, as it isn’t a core COCOBOD activity. They recommended that we remove this venture from our operations. The IMF shares a similar view.”
He further disclosed that COCOBOD would continue with ongoing construction projects but not initiate new ones. Additionally, he outlined plans to establish healthcare centers in cocoa-growing communities, aiming to improve medical accessibility for farmers. He cited examples of farmers facing difficult journeys for medical care, including one tragic incident where a woman in labor had to travel over 28 kilometers in a hammock and couldn’t survive.
“Considering the challenges our cocoa farmers face in accessing healthcare in rural areas, we are motivated to take action. Our goal is to bring health services and facilities closer to these farmers,” Mr. Boahen concluded.
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