The Cooperative department director, Madam. Dorcas Kwakye, of the Akuapim South Municipal Assembly engages with cocoa farmers at Fahiakor on the 24th of October, 2025 to discuss plans to integrate them into the cooperative system.
This exercise followed concerns raised by cocoa farmers during a recent community engagement led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and Heads of Department (HODs). During the session, the Assembly Member for Fahiakor noted that although cocoa farming is the main occupation in the community, farmers do not benefit from COCOBOD’s initiatives, unlike neighbouring districts such as Akuapim North and Suhum. He emphasized that Fahiakor is one of the leading cocoa-producing areas within Akuapim South, alongside Kyerpon, Ankwansu, Pakro, Dago, Anamenampa, Pokrom, and Ahyireasu.
Addressing the farmers, the Director of Cooperatives explained that Akuapim South is not formally recognized because the farmers have not yet formed a cooperative. He noted that although the area is known for pineapple and vegetable production, the absence of a cooperative has led to their exclusion from certain benefits. She further stated that registration would make the farmers eligible for grants, inputs, and other incentives from COCOBOD.
However, She further explained that forming a union of cooperatives could lead to COCOBOD to establish warehouses and supply inputs directly to farmers, reducing dependence on Suhum and Akuapim North. Addressing complaints about delays in input distribution, she clarified that Suhum faces logistical challenges.
The registration exercise at Fahiakor marked a significant step toward integrating cocoa farmers in Akuapim South into the national cooperative framework. Through the initiative, farmers were educated on the benefits of forming registered cooperatives, positioning them to access COCOBOD support and other government interventions. The engagement also strengthened collaboration between the Assembly and farming communities, paving the way for improved productivity and sustainable cocoa development in the municipality.
AKUAPIM SOUTH MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY
Cooperative Unit Engages Fahiakor Cocoa Farmers
This exercise followed concerns raised by cocoa farmers during a recent community engagement led by the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and Heads of Department (HODs). During the session, the Assembly Member for Fahiakor noted that although cocoa farming is the main occupation in the community, farmers do not benefit from COCOBOD’s initiatives, unlike neighbouring districts such as Akuapim North and Suhum. He emphasized that Fahiakor is one of the leading cocoa-producing areas within Akuapim South, alongside Kyerpon, Ankwansu, Pakro, Dago, Anamenampa, Pokrom, and Ahyireasu.
Addressing the farmers, the Director of Cooperatives explained that Akuapim South is not formally recognized because the farmers have not yet formed a cooperative. He noted that although the area is known for pineapple and vegetable production, the absence of a cooperative has led to their exclusion from certain benefits. She further stated that registration would make the farmers eligible for grants, inputs, and other incentives from COCOBOD. However, She further explained that forming a union of cooperatives could lead to COCOBOD to establish warehouses and supply inputs directly to farmers, reducing dependence on Suhum and Akuapim North. Addressing complaints about delays in input distribution, she clarified that Suhum faces logistical challenges.
The registration exercise at Fahiakor marked a significant step toward integrating cocoa farmers in Akuapim South into the national cooperative framework. Through the initiative, farmers were educated on the benefits of forming registered cooperatives, positioning them to access COCOBOD support and other government interventions. The engagement also strengthened collaboration between the Assembly and farming communities, paving the way for improved productivity and sustainable cocoa development in the municipality.
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