Story By: William Sarpong
The Government through Cocobod as part of its effort to give Ghanaian farmers a better living, has increased the producer price of cocoa to 21% from Gh¢10,560 per tonne to Gh¢12,800.00 per tonne.
This was announced in Accra by the Minister for Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto who is also the Chairman of the Producer Price Review Committee.
“The producer price represent 89.99% of the net FOB value and this figure translates into Gh¢800 per bag of 44kg. gross weight and takes effect from Friday, 7th October, 2022.
Announcing the 2022/23 new price for cocoa, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto disclosed that the 21% rise in the producer price of cocoa is a testament to Government’s commitment to ensure that farmers earn a decent income and make cocoa farming lucrative.
“Government will continue to implement initiatives to build a robust, resilient and sustainable cocoa industry where cocoa farmers and their communities will thrive”, he emphasized.
The Minister further stated that, in other to ensure a decent standard of living for Ghanaian cocoa farmers after retirement, Government would from November 2022 move from the pilot phase to the implementation phase of the Cocoa Farmer’s pension scheme.
Government, Hon. Afriyie Akoto mentioned would continue to support cocoa farmers through the pests and diseases control programme (Mass Spraying) and rehabilitation of disease cocoa farms.
“Government will also assist cocoa farmers by making the requisite inputs such as fertilizers available for farmers to buy to increase farm productivity. Government is committed to continuing to supply certified planting materials that are drought tolerant, early bearing and high-yielding”, he said.
He averred that, Government has not relented in ensuring that cocoa produce in Ghana is free from deforestation and child labour saying, Government through Cocobod is developing the Cocoa Management System to enable Ghana to meet the EU due diligence requirements.
The Minister therefore assured all stakeholders that, Cocobod has made available funds, jute sacks and related logistics for the smooth take-off of the 2022/23 main crop season.
“The Committee has also approved the rates and fees for all other stakeholders in the supply chain. These include the Buyers’ margin, Houliers’ rate, warehousing and internal marketing costs, as well as, fees for disinfection, grading and sealing and scale inspection”.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
