Cocoa production remains a vital pillar of Ghana’s economy, with communities such as Wawase in the Afigya Kwabre South District of the Ashanti Region playing a crucial role in sustaining the sector. Residents of the cocoa-growing community are therefore appealing for improved road infrastructure and inclusion in the COCOBOD Cocoa Roads Construction Project to enhance transportation, access to farms, and overall productivity.
The appeal was made during an engagement programme organised by the Mampong Cocoa Cooperative for cocoa farmers in Wawase. Addressing participants, the Chief of Wawase, Nana Owusu Panin II, expressed grave concern over the poor state of roads in the area, which continue to hinder cocoa farming activities. He noted that although Wawase is among the leading cocoa-producing communities in the district, key road networks such as the Aboabogya–Kwamang and Swedru–Wawase roads have deteriorated to dangerous levels, making it difficult for farmers to transport produce and access their farms.
Beyond infrastructure challenges, Nana Owusu Panin II also highlighted growing security concerns confronting farmers. He revealed that some farmers have been attacked by armed robbers both during the day and at night, losing their hard-earned income meant to support their families. He further raised alarm over increasing incidents of cocoa-full-bag theft, assuring farmers that traditional authorities are working diligently to curb the menace.
The Chief also appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support cocoa farmers in Wawase and neighbouring communities with financial assistance and accessible loan facilities to help boost production and promote sustainable livelihoods.
A representative from the Ashanti Regional Office of COCOBOD, who attended the programme, outlined several interventions being implemented to support farmers. These include cocoa extension services and the mass spraying programme, which continue to improve farm productivity. He urged farmers to strictly adhere to recommended agronomic practices to ensure higher yields and cautioned them against leasing their farmlands to illegal miners (galamsey operators), stressing the long-term value of cocoa farming over short-term financial gains.
Officials of the Mampong Cocoa Cooperative also took turns to educate farmers on proper waste management and the importance of nurturing cocoa seedlings. They emphasized best practices in raising and managing seedlings to ensure healthy growth and sustainable cocoa production.
The programme was attended by the District Chief Executive for Afigya Kwabre South, Honourable Patricia Pearl Ankrah, alongside staff of the District Assembly, who were present to support and interact with the farmers.
