COCOBOD targets one million metric tonnes of cocoa production

Accra, Sept. 1, GNA - Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has projected to increase the country's annual cocoa production to one million metric tonnes within the next three years.

To this end, interventions such as clearing of weeds, free supply of fertilizer and free spraying of cocoa farms have been intensified to enable farmers increase their yield to meet the target. Currently, Ghana produces 700,000 metric tonnes of cocoa annually. Mr Anthony Fofie, Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, said this to the Ghana News Agency after launching the Cocoa Producers' Alliance (COPAL) Cocoa Day celebrations in Accra on Tuesday.

He said the measures were to increase revenue and position Ghana as the leading premium cocoa producer in the world.

The COPAL Cocoa Day, observed on October 1 every year by cocoa producing countries since 2004, is to encourage and promote local consumption of cocoa and its derivatives to ensure good health. This year's celebration under the theme "Consume More Cocoa For Better Health And A Better Ghana" will take place at Suhum in the Eastern Region.

There would be an exhibition of cocoa, cocoa products and by-products during the celebration.

Africa produces about 70 per cent of the world cocoa but consumes only three per cent of the commodity. Mr Fofie said measures had been instituted to remove perceived artificial impediments that prevented spraying exercises on some farms because of the perception that such farmers were inclined towards particular political parties.

He said this was necessary to ensure that all farmers benefited from the exercise and assured cocoa farmers of increased and prompt payment of dividends.

Mr Fofie urged the public to consume cocoa products not only to improve their health but also contribute to the welfare of Ghanaians.