The Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), Hohoe-Kpeve Cocoa District in the Volta Region has held a Mini-Cocoa Farmer Rally at Nkonya Wurupong in the Biakoye District of the Oti Region to sensitize Cocoa Farmers and its key stake holders on Environmental and Social Sustainability Project (ESSP).

The project spans from 2016-2020 and is jointly implemented by UNDP and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), with support from Mondelez International with focus on Forestry and biodiversity conservation; climate change under UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 13& 15.

Facilitating the rally to over 150 cocoa farmers on September 10, 2020, at Nkonya Wurupong, Mr. Derick ALarbi-Donkor, the District Extension Coordinator (DEC) of Hohoe-Kpeve Cocoa District said ESSP has two key objectives and they were; "Cocoa Farmers should adopt environmentally sustainable and climate change resilient cocoa production practices on their farms and Cocoa Farmers should manage cocoa farms sustainably to conserve ecosystems and natural resources".

To achieve the above objectives, Mr. Alarbi-Donkor urged farmers to avoid the use of weedicides in cocoa farming, integrate economic trees comprising of 5 species (Mahogany, Ofram, Kokodua, Hyedua and Mansonia) in the cocoa farms to conserve the land and protect ecosystem.

Excessive bush burning and practices that causes bush fires in Cocoa farms was also raised. Felling of trees without replanting was also raised and farmers were advised to desist from the practice.

Mr. Alarbi-Donkor took his time to answer questions from farmers on Good Agronomic Practices (GAPS), COCOBOD subsidized fertilizer for Cocoa farmers, Artificial Pollination, Cocoa Mass Spraying and other trending issues in the cocoa industry.

The Cocoa Technical Officer for the area, Mr. Francis M. Eshun stated that, since he started work in the operational area in late part of 2019, he has facilitated the formation and registration of four Cocoa Farmer Cooperative, namely;

1. Nkonya Wurupong Yonkudor Cooperative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Society Ltd. (REG. NO: VR/P/AC/436)

2. Nkonya Ahenkro Ebaalee Cooperative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Society Ltd (REG.NO: VR/P/AC/439)

3. Nkonya Asakyiri Cooperative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Society Ltd (REG. NO: VR/P/AC/437), and

4. Nkonya Tayi Cooperative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Society Limited (REG. NO: OR/P/AC/030)

He expressed optimism that Nkonya Ntumda and Nkonya Tepo Cocoa Farmers would soon also register their cooperative society.

He added that, since late part of 2019 to now, he has facilitated the delivery of 2 CP Knapsack Spraying Machines; PPEs (gloves, googles, wellington boots, overall and nose mask) to Nkonya 9 Spraying Team of 9 people; 2800 Sachets of Attack Botanical Insecticides, 164 litres of Cocoa Agyenkwa Liquid Fertilizer, 70 litres of Cocoasetter, 4000 Sachet of Qualico Fungicides, 230 litres of Sidalco Liquid Fertilizers, 600 Sachets of Fungikill Fungicides, 2500 Seedlings of Cocoa by SPD, 66 economic trees (Ofram) and 14 Sharp power motorized.

He also stated that artificial pollination and Cocoa Mass Spraying was ongoing in the Operational Area and appealed to every cocoa farmer to register and be part of the Cocoa Farmer Cooperative to aid extension delivery.

The Municipal Cooperative Director for Kpando Municipality, as well as Biakoye and South Dayi, Mr. John Vorvor urged to the elders of the Communities to release lands for the various Cooperatives to begin a Cooperative Cocoa Farm.

He said, that farm would help serve as Demonstration Farm and also raise money for the Cooperative in the long run.

He stated, the leadership of the Cooperatives should account to the members each quarter to ensure transparent leadership.

The Cocoa Purchasing Clerk for Nkonya Wurupong, Mr. Eyram Atisu disclosed that, for the 2019/2020 season, Nkonya Wurupong produced One Thousand, Six Hundred and Fifty Two bags (1652) of Cocoa which he purchased.

He said, with the current initiatives and efforts by the Technical Officer for the Area, he was sure, the coming season would see a rise in production in the area.

He, therefore, thanked the farmers for the support and cooperation.

Mr. Michael Obour and Godwin Nnogam, MOFA Extension Officers in the area used the platform to educate farmers on Acarp Compost (Fertilizer), improved maize seeds and chemicals provided for control of fall army worms.

The NADMO Director for Biakoye District, Mr. Henry Kojo Danso stated that, the Cooperatives should come together to raise their own nurseries with support from COCOBOD to help expansion of Cocoa Farms.

He expressed delight in the level of commitment shown by the farmers in cocoa farming and challenged them to do more to ensure increase in production of cocoa in Nkonya.

The rally was chaired by Nana Owusu Ansah II, the Omankrado of Nkonya Wurupong Traditional Area. Executives of Nkonya Wurupong Yonkudor Cooperative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Society Ltd were; Mr. Gilbert Yeboah (Chairman), Mrs. Juliana Yempew (Vice Chairperson), Mr. Emmanuel Latse (Secretary), Mr. Paul Adu (Assistant Secretary), Mrs. Betty Otusafo (Treaseurer), Hon. Francis Ampomah (Executive Member), Mr. Thomas Cogbe ( Executive Member) and Mrs. Florence Obiri ( Executive Member).

Other Executives included; Mr. Godfred Adondo (Nkonya Tayi), Mr. Theophilus Addae (Nkonya Ntumda), Mr. Daniel Ansah (Nkonya Ahenkro), Mrs. Juliana Yirenky (Nkonya Tepo). The rally was attended by over 150 farmers from Nkonya Wurupong, Nkonya Tayi, Nkonya Tepo, Nkonya Ntumda, Nkonya Ahenkro, Nkonya Ahondwo and Nkonya Asakyir.