CEO Of Ghana Cocoa Board Explained Cocoa Pricing Process At BAWCOF

By Lawrence Manu-Gyan 

The CEO of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) Joseph Boahen Aidoo has explained that the pricing of cocoa in the country goes through a series of consultations and metrics before a final price is determined. 

 Speaking at the maiden edition of the Brong Ahafo Women Cooperative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Central Union Festival (BAWCOF 2023) in Sunyani, he indicated that the producer Price review committee which is made up of representatives of Cocoa farmers, licensed buying companies and other stakeholders in the cocoa production industry all have a say in arriving at the final price. 

The Festival brought together members of the cooperative from 96 societies from 9 cocoa growing districts in the Brong Ahafo area. 

It was an occasion to celebrate hardworking women in cocoa farming for their contribution to the development of the sector. The marketing cooperative seeks to amongst others, empower women in cocoa farming with alternative means of livelihood both on the farm and off the farm, especially during the off-season. 

In an address, the Bono Regional Administrator of COCOBOD, Michael Asumanu called for the empowerment of women in cocoa farming to attain financial independence For his part, the CEO of COCOBOD Joseph Boahen Aidoo encouraged all cocoa farmers to take advantage of the cocoa farmer pension to enjoy its benefits. Speaking on the new cocoa prices announced by the government, Mr Boahen Aidoo praised the move while jabbing critics of the gesture. 

He explained there were a lot of stakeholder engagements before a new price was agreed upon. As part of the festival, there was a health screening and a cooking competition. The ceremony was graced by reps of the Sunyani traditional authority as well as leadership of the COCOBOD.