Taskforce to assist distribution of cocoa inputs launched

A new task force to assist in the distribution of cocoa inputs under the Cocoa Disease and Pest Control (CODAPEC) Unit within the Ghana COCOBOD has been launched.

The CODAPEC task force will assist in the distribution of chemicals to ensure that the disease and pest control programme in the cocoa growing communities in the Western Region was achievable.

The launch, which took place at the Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai District, one of the popular cocoa districts in the region, was performed by Mr Kofi Kutsoati, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Ghana COCOBOD.

In an address, Mr Kutsoati said the government had made a lot of changes within the distribution channels of the disease and pests control programme, such that farmers now receive fertilisers and cocoa chemicals directly from the source instead of the mass spraying exercise that was undertaken in the past.

This new development, he noted, will obviously assist in minimising, if not totally eliminate, the complaints made by the farmers in the past cocoa crop season.

He said the fertilisers and chemical distribution programme, when applied properly, will boost production.

He urged politicians to desist from tampering with the programme in order to help the government achieve its highest target of boosting cocoa yield in the 2016-2017 crop season.

Nana Kofi Ampem, the District Cocoa Officer, assured the Ghana COCOBOD of excellent distribution and supervision of fertilisers and cocoa chemicals within the district.

He urged farmers to report issues concerning the distribution to the local task force for immediate address, instead of using media platforms and politicising the issues.

He advised the various beneficiaries of the programme to make good use of the free inputs being received from government.