Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Professor Kwaku Danso Boafo has suggested to the 2010 National Best Cocoa Farmer, Mr. Samuel Awuni to make it his priority to encourage as many youth as possible to get into the production of cocoa.

He said being the youngest man to win such a prestigious national award, he stand a better chance in passing on his experience and skills to the youth to help reduce unemployment and also boost cocoa production in the country. Professor Danso Boafo was speaking at a reception in honour of the Ghana’s Best Cocoa Farmer in London. Mr. Awuni was in London as part of his award for winning the 2010 National Best Cocoa Farmer Award.

High profiled Ghanaians and other nationals attended the reception, which was organised by the Ghana High Commission in London and the London office of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD)

In the view of the Ghanaian Envoy, the move will not only provide jobs for the numerous unemployed youth found in the cities for non-existing jobs but also ensure Ghana produces more cocoa to boost her economy.

Mr Awuni was accompanied on his trip by the Pubic Affairs Manager of the COCOBOD, Mr. Noah Kwesi Amenyah. He visited many financial and cocoa production institutions and also met dignitaries in the filed for discussion At the Cadbury Cocoa Products Limited in Bourneville Place near Birmingham Mr. Awuni had interaction with the management of the company on wide range of issues on cocoa production and marketing. The visit also afforded him the opportunity to reinforce the already existing socio-economic relationship between Ghana and the Company.

He said he was delighted to learn that about 70 percent of cocoa beans - the main raw material- purchased by Cadbury globally comes from Ghana. Mr. Awuni’s tour of the United Kingdom also coincided with the 100 years of cocoa trading between the company and Ghana. ?? Other places visited included The Mass Chocolate Company, Ghana International Bank, and a Cocoa Fair in London, among others.

Mr. Awuni, the all-time youngest individual to win the award observed that there are a lot of land available and with credit facilities from the finacial institutions the youth can quit the streets and join in the cocoa production. He said the government’s interventions in price increase of the commodity, has been another motivating factor for the Ghanaian cocoa farmer.

He said he was ready to mentor and assist the youth who have the passion to go into cocoa farming. The 2010 Best Cocoa Farmer encouraged Ghanaians residents abroad to invest in cocoa production.

Mr. Awuni said he produces 100 acres of cocoa together with other plantations; a situation he noted can be done by any Ghanaian youth.

He thanked the Ghanaian community in the UK for their hospitality and warm reception and urged them also help invest in the youth to produce more cocoa for the country.