Extension services improved under Samuel Osei – Cocoa farmers

The Best Cocoa Farmers Association of the Western South Region has lauded the exceptional leadership qualities of Samuel Osei, former Western South Regional Manager of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), during his tenure.

This came to light during a short but memorable send-off programme organised in his honour, together with his former Deputy Regional Manager, Dr Felix Kwame Quainoo, at Dunkwa-on-Offin.

The leadership of the Association described Osei as a man with deep technical knowledge in cocoa production and strong commitment to duty.

According to them, “farmers’ welfare was always close to his heart, and he spared no effort in ensuring that his team of technical staff remained well-prepared to support cocoa farmers in adopting good agronomic practices that contributed significantly to productivity improvements across the region.”

Touching on extension services, the farmers commended Osei for driving aggressive and extensive extension education across all districts.

They noted that his push for regular field visits, farmer training, and timely delivery of inputs helped bridge the knowledge gap and improved yields for many smallholder farmers.

Heads of departments from other COCOBOD subsidiaries and divisions who attended the event also attested to his hard work, excellent interpersonal relations, and collegial spirit.

They urged him to continue exhibiting these qualities as he assumes higher responsibilities.

Other stakeholders, including media houses in the region, praised him for the strong relationship he maintained with the media.

They noted that his commitment to farmer education programmes across various media platforms, coupled with field experiential learning programmes for both farmers and journalists, helped bring COCOBOD’s policies and programmes closer to cocoa farmers.

In his brief remarks after receiving a citation and gifts from staff and farmers, Osei expressed appreciation to all COCOBOD staff, cocoa farmers, and stakeholders who supported him throughout his tenure.

He acknowledged that the successes achieved were the result of teamwork and cooperation, and urged stakeholders to extend the same support to current management in the region to ensure that Western South continues to excel despite challenges confronting the cocoa industry.

He encouraged staff to prioritise the welfare of cocoa farmers in their daily activities and continue providing agronomic support to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

Osei also thanked the current Regional Manager, Samuel Essuman, and his team, expressing confidence in their ability to further improve cocoa production in the region.

Samuel Osei is currently based in Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region, having been redesignated and transferred in March 2025 from the CHED Head Office to COCOBOD as Regional Administrator, Deputy Director, as part of the organisation’s strategic realignment to improve operational efficiency.