The Asetenapa Cooperative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Union Limited has attributed its resilience amid the challenges facing Ghana’s cocoa sector to strong partnerships and sustainable farming practices.
Speaking at the Union’s 7th Annual General Meeting, held under the theme “Securing the Future of Cocoa through Sustainability and Partnership,” President, Mark Ayivor stated that despite the challenging cocoa season, the cooperative has continued to support its members through collaboration with development partners.
Mr. Ayivor urged members to strengthen governance, protect forests, and empower women and young people.
Manager of the Union, Isaac Vefa, described the meeting as a significant milestone, noting that it was the first Annual General Meeting to be held in the cooperative’s own office following renovations supported by its partners and also awarded dedicated farmers and partners.
He said although the cocoa industry had experienced a challenging year, the Union had recorded significant progress through strategic partnerships.
“Irrespective of the challenges that came our way as farmers, as a cocoa cooperative, and even the entire cocoa industry in Ghana, it has been a good year for Asetenapa because of partnership,” he stated.
He disclosed that the Union paid more than GH¢1.2 million in premium bonuses to farmers during the 2025/2026 cocoa season. According to him, the payment covered about 900 tonnes of cocoa, with farmers receiving GH¢90 per bag, in addition as premium and in-kind support.
Technical Officer at the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Prince Adansi-Bonna, assured farmers that agrochemicals for this year’s mass cocoa spraying exercise were ready for distribution.
“The agrochemicals are ready to be lifted. We are only waiting for fuel for the spraying teams. Farmers will be called to receive the agrochemicals and begin this year’s mass spraying exercise,”he said.
Mr. Adansi-Bonna also commended the Union’s leadership for promoting transparency and urged farmers to continue adhering to good agricultural practices to improve productivity.
A cocoa farmer, Asare Adobea, appealed to the government to ensure the timely supply of agrochemicals and other farming inputs. She also called for increased support to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and enable them to provide quality education for their children.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening partnerships, promoting sustainable cocoa production, and investing in farming communities to secure the future of Ghana’s cocoa sector.