Dr. Godfred Seidu Jasaw, Chairperson of the Agric and Cocoa Affairs Committee of Parliament, has called on stakeholders to support the Ghana Chapter of the Cocoa Farmers Africa Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA) in its mission to revamp the cocoa sector.
Speaking at the launch of COFAAA in Accra, Dr. Jasaw emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the challenges facing the cocoa industry.
“We need to strengthen farmer cooperatives to leverage the support systems the government is putting in place to revamp the sector,” he said.
Dr. Jasaw, also a National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa East, reassured COFAAA of the Committee’s cooperation in areas that will boost the cocoa sector, highlighting President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to resetting the cocoa subsector to increase production and improve conditions for cocoa farmers.
He applauded COFAAA’s significant insights and collaborative efforts towards addressing cocoa sector challenges while championing sustainable farming practices.
Touching on the government’s resetting agenda, the Wa East legislator urged all stakeholders to support the call for the cocoa subsector, emphasizing collective action.
“I call for the strengthening of farmer cooperatives, leveraging government support systems, and improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
“As the Chair of the Agric and Cocoa Affairs Committee of Parliament, with my endorsement of COFAAA’s meaningful reform mission in Ghana’s cocoa sector and its launch, I am optimistic about the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry,” he said.
COFAAA has the mandate of empowering African cocoa farmers, advocating for farmers’ rights, promoting sustainable practices, facilitating market access, and providing financial solutions to farmers.
The organization’s vision is to create a prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive cocoa farming sector in Africa that enhances the livelihoods of farmers and promotes environmental stewardship.
COFAAA aims to achieve this by increasing Africa’s share of global cocoa production, targeting 70 per cent of global cocoa production to ensure African farmers receive a fairer share of the industry’s profits and recognition.
While fostering regional cooperation and empowering smallholder farmers by providing education, resources, and advocacy for fair trade practices to boost productivity, improve market access, and ensure equitable distribution of benefits are among the other aims.
By Elsie Appiah-Osei, GNA