BIA WEST NDC COMM OFFICER DEFENDS COCOBOD BILL, SAYS IT PROTECTS FARMERS

BIA WEST NDC COMM OFFICER DEFENDS COCOBOD BILL, SAYS IT PROTECTS FARMERS

The Bia West NDC Communication Officer who doubles as the Western North Regional Manager of MASLOC, Isaiah Kwarteng, says the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026 passed by Parliament is intended to protect Ghana’s cocoa industry and strengthen financial discipline in the sector.

Speaking on Winners FM’s "Omanba Pa" show hosted by Odehyieba Ampong and monitored by the media, Mr. Kwarteng noted that the Bill has been misunderstood by some commentators, particularly the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and some cocoa farmers, regarding provisions on cocoa farms and farming practices.

He clarified that existing laws already prevent the total loss of farming activities.

"Under the new law, farmers are required to seek approval from COCOBOD before making major changes to their farms," Mr. Kwarteng noted.

“To protect the status of cocoa farms, the new law states that no one, including farmers, can convert cocoa farms to other uses without COCOBOD approval, except for board-sanctioned rehabilitation,” the Communication Officer said.

He explained that cocoa farms have been designated as protected areas and require authorization before cocoa trees can be destroyed, uprooted, or felled.

“The new bill seeks to empower cocoa farmers and improve their economic gains,” he stated.

Mr. Kwarteng emphasized that the bill will add value to cocoa farmers through the introduction of a cocoa pension scheme, a cocoa education trust fund, and the establishment of a cocoa debt sinking fund.

He further assured farmers of the 70% FOB Price guarantee, which legally ensures that farmers will receive not less than 70% of the gross Free-On-Board export price.

Mr. Kwarteng concluded that the Bill seeks to protect cocoa farmers, safeguard production, and impose greater discipline in the cocoa sector.

He described the legislation as one of the most significant reforms aimed at protecting farmers, improving their financial sustainability, and enhancing farmer welfare.