The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana, Farmer Anthony Morrison, has said that the Ghana Cocoa Board has outlived its organizational relevance to cocoa farmers as the 45% producer price increment in cocoa prices does not resonate well with cocoa farmers.
The Chief Executive Officer made this assertion on the GBC Talking Point show on September 15, 2024.
In a conversation about the new cocoa price which has been reported as a 45% increase, Farmer Morrison compared the kilogram that makes up a cocoa bag in Ghana and other countries, indicating that Ghana is buying a bag of cocoa at 64kg, while Indonesia, which is the third-largest producer of cocoa, is buying a cocoa bag at 50kg.
He indicated that in the cases of other countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Indonesia, and other cocoa-producing countries, the kilograms are measured lower than in Ghana.
He indicated that a 45% increase in cocoa price is inadequate as farmers pay for everything they do on their lands, including weeding, spraying, buying and applying fertilizers, among other things.
He further reiterated that some farmers even pay for the lands they farm on because they rent the land.
He went on to say that there should be an examination of the factors that influence cocoa prices internally and globally, and these should be factored into the intervention of the Cocoa Board for farmers.
He therefore disagrees with Cocoa Board expenses at their headquarters since cocoa is produced on the field and not at the headquarters.
He indicated that the bureaucracy at the Cocoa Board is part of the reason why the board has declared losses for the past seven years.
“We need to look into the Cocoa Board’s structural position, functions, and competitive advantage in the global market,” he said.
According to Farmer Morrison, there is a need for a new Cocoa Board that is market-oriented.
“Its approach must add value to Ghana’s cocoa. We need to export value-added cocoa to the international market and not raw cocoa; that is where the board can get money to pay the cocoa farmers what they deserve.”
Echoing the sentiments of Farmer Anthony Morrison, the Executive Director of Tarzan Enterprise Limited, Ziad Hamoui, also questioned the Ghana Cocoa Board on their huge expenses while their mission is to produce, process, and export cocoa.
He also shared the thoughts of Anthony Morrison, stating that the current cocoa price increase of 45% doesn’t seem fair to farmers.
He indicated that cocoa price alone doesn’t determine the value of cocoa, as pricing is one of the factors that lead to the smuggling of cocoa to other countries.
The agriculture and aquaculture associations has called on the President and the Parliament for immediate and decisive actions to combat galamsey by ceasing all galamsey operations immediately, and requested immediate resignation or dismissal of the Minister for Mines and Natural Resources and his deputies, restoring degraded lands, and prosecuting perpetrators.
According to the associations, the critical issue of illegal mining (galamsey) is wreaking havoc on the nation’s agricultural and aquatic ecosystems.
They called for urgent implementation of measures to halt galamsey operations and conduct environmental assessments.
They made their stance known in a press release dated September 12, 2024, jointly signed by stakeholders in the Agriculture and Aquaculture value chain.
The associations called for the implementation of sustainable mining practices, support for affected communities and industries, the setup of a National Anti-Galamsey Steering Committee comprising respected non-partisan citizens and key stakeholders, and the deployment of military and police personnel to galamsey-prone areas.
To end galamsey, the associations stated that there should be the provision of alternative livelihoods, the development of a National Mining Policy, and the setup of a Galamsey Rehabilitation Fund, as well as promoting agroforestry and reforestation efforts.
The associations further reiterated the detrimental impacts of galamsey activities on Ghana’s environment.
They highlighted the widespread depletion of Ghana’s Forest Reserve and the destruction of 78% of freshwater bodies (FAO, 2022), loss of aquatic life, biodiversity, and significant economic repercussions, including a $1.2 billion annual fish import bill (GSA, 2023).
They indicated that the threats to food security, job creation, health, and national stability (MoTI, 2022), alarming pollution levels in water bodies and forest cover loss (EPA, 2023), health risks such as cancer, respiratory diseases, and birth defects linked to exposure to hazardous substances used in galamsey (GHS, 2023), and estimated annual economic losses of $2.3 billion with over 1 million individuals directly involved in galamsey (GSS, 2022).
The coalition, therefore, urged the Minister of Food and Agriculture to publicly denounce galamsey’s impact, collaborate with the Minister of Environment, protect farmers’ lands, and support affected farmers, and advocate for sustainable agricultural practices.
The coalition stands resolutely against the devastation caused by galamsey and calls for innovative solutions, community involvement, and justice for affected regions.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, in partnership with the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers have officially launched the National Livestock Day that is scheduled on October 3rd and 4th, 2024 at the Efua Sutherland Park, Accra.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture has stated that livestock farming is crucial in the country as it creates jobs, provides food and nutrition, and boosts the country’s economy.
The Ministry, through the Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Alhaji Hardi Tufeiru made this statement at the media launch of National Livestock Day, held at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Project Office in Cantoment-Accra, on September 10, 2024.
The Deputy Minister affirmed the government’s commitment to prioritizing livestock farming as a key factor in its development agenda. The celebration of National Livestock Day aligns with this commitment and aims to spotlight the sector’s importance.
Speaking to Agric Today on the theme, “A Thriving Livestock Industry Towards Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security for Economic Growth,” the Deputy Minister pointed out that livestock farming is integral to the livelihoods of many Ghanaians, particularly those in rural areas who rely on it for income and sustenance.
As part of the National Livestock Day celebrations, the event will feature a diverse range of ruminant livestock breeds. There will be significant discounts on meat products available to the general public.
Hon. Tufeiru highlighted that the future prosperity of Ghana is closely linked to the growth of the livestock sector, which plays a pivotal role in boosting the national economy.
He encouraged corporate entities, businesses, and other organizations to participate as sponsors and partners in this important event.
Dr. Doris Yaa Osei, the Acting Deputy Director of the CSIR-Animal Research Institute, echoed the Deputy Minister’s sentiments. She emphasized that the livestock sector is essential to the country’s development, contributing 4.9 billion Ghana Cedis to the GDP in 2022.
Dr. Yaa Osei said the benefits of livestock extend beyond food and nutrition security; they also include valuable by-products such as manure for crop farming and hides for manufacturing footwear and bags.
She affirms the CSIR-Animal Research Institute’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ghana National Association of Cattle Farmers, and other stakeholders in the livestock value chain.
The goal is to achieve national self-sufficiency in food and nutritional security while generating income through improved and sustainable livestock production practices.
The Deputy Director of the Animal Production Directorate of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture Dr. Abdul Razak Okine spoke on the directorate’s objectives.
He stated that the directorate is committed to creating an enabling environment for the livestock sector to thrive in Ghana.
As part of this commitment, they plan to embark on a nationwide tour to gather input from livestock farmers, processors, and other stakeholders involved in the livestock value chain.
Dr. Okine reiterated the importance of the exhibition, which will be held on October 3rd and 4th, 2024, and expressed the positive impact that the event will have on the sector.
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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahen Aidoo, has reiterated plans to implement a self-financing model for the 2024/2025 cocoa crop season.
He clarified, however, that this initiative will operate alongside the traditional syndicated loan system.
COCOBOD recently unveiled its intention to shift towards self-financing for the upcoming season, but Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam contradicted this announcement, stating that the government will still seek external funding to support the cocoa sector.
Speaking during a meeting with farmers from various cocoa districts in Kumasi on Friday, Aidoo assured that the self-financing model will be integrated with the existing loan structure, ensuring a blended approach to funding the sector.
“It is just a blend. We are blending what we’ve been doing for years. I don’t think there is anything wrong with introducing a new thing. Once you have an existing model, you can only combine that model with a new one, and I believe that if it works, then Ghana will work with that model going forward.
“We have already tried it during the last crop season, from June up to the end of August. That was the model we were using to buy cocoa and ship, and it has worked, but we want to scale it. So even as we may be going for a loan, because when you talk about syndication, it is like going to borrow, and what we are doing will not require borrowing. So if we are blending not borrowing with borrowing, I don’t think it should become an issue.
“We want to implement the not borrowing, thus the self-financing. That is what we are starting the season with, and once it works, there will be no need for us to go for borrowing,” he stated.
The Mankrom Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association has revealed that over 100,000 acres of cocoa farms have been destroyed due to illegal mining activities.
The farmers voiced their concerns over the severe impact on cocoa-growing areas, where farmlands are being ravaged in the pursuit of gold.
Speaking in an interview with Citi News, the president of the association emphasised the urgent need for government intervention to halt the ongoing destruction and protect the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
“They are destroying cocoa farms and lands for this illegal mining and we have not heard anything. In case the government is not aware of the destruction; the cocoa board is telling farmers that they cannot do anything as of now looking at the level of harm and the big men that are into gold mining.
“Now, even the government has changed the name and made it community mining. What is community mining? They are doing exactly what the illegal miners are doing.
“More than 100,000 acres of farmlands have been destroyed due to illegal mining and it has affected us and our production for this year. Because most of the cocoa has been cut down and once they have been cut down, it is making things difficult for us to get the harvest that we are getting.
“So, I believe that going forward the government should declare a state of emergency in the galamsey areas. All galamsey issues should be halted so that after the elections, a commission should be set up to investigate all the illegal mining in the country so that we come up with a blueprint, for the way that we should do mining in Ghana.
“Other than that everybody has to just wake up and search for gold and illegally continue on those businesses, then lives and properties will continue to be affected,” he stated.
The Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana has expressed its disappointment over the alleged politicisation of fertiliser distribution under phase two of the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) initiative.
Concerns were raised after reports surfaced that Members of Parliament and District Chief Executives were distributing fertilisers based on political party affiliation.
Speaking to Citi News, the Programmes Manager of the association, Charles Nyaaba, confirmed these allegations after engaging with peasant farmers nationwide, who shared their experiences regarding the biased distribution.
“We, as farmers, were expecting that it [the fertiliser] would be evenly distributed according to vulnerable people. At the beginning of the week, I have so far visited about 20 districts and in all these districts I visited, those are the complaints that were coming from our members, that if you are not a member of NPP, they will not even allow you to be part of it.
“So there are farmers who have not even attempted to go there because if you go there and you are not a member of the party, you will not be allowed to take part and get your share.
“But as an association that represents the voices of farmers across all political divides, we are so disappointed.”
Salerno is set to become the center of Agrifood innovation and sustainability from September 8 to 10, 2024 as it hosts the highly anticipated 2nd AgriFood Future 2024.
This premier event, organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry; Environment and Energy Security; Businesses and Made in Italy, is set to redefine Italy’s AgriFood sector with practical results oriented speeches and workshops to contribute in reforming and expanding the global discussion on Agrifood systems.
AgriFood Future 2024 will further explore the connection of technological innovation and sustainability, all aimed at demonstrating how cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices can be integrated forward-looking Agri-food businesses.
AgriFood Future 2024 is expected to attract over 300 speakers who will contribute into digital transformation and expanding AgriFood systems within the African and the Caribbean regions.
Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere and Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, leads this year’s event on the theme “Building a Sustainable Business in the Food System with AI.” His leadership is key to highlighting the development of a sustainable and innovative business approach within the food industry.
Andrea Prete is an entrepreneur in the industrial automation sector. Today at the helm of Unioncamere he aims to support the transformation in the Italian agri-food sector, focusing on sustainability and digital transformation. He advocates for practices that reduce the environmental impact of agri-food operations, while promoting the adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. His efforts have helped streamline operations and increase resource use, ensuring the sector remains competitive in Europe, Italy, Africa and the Caribbean.
In addition to these initiatives, Prete has worked to improve market access for Italian Agri-food products, both domestically and internationally.
This year’s AgriFood Future will feature Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the first Ghanaian speaker at AgriFood Future. As the founder of the Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta As a leading advocate for women and youth in the agriculture value chain in Ghana. Her participation will highlight the global commitment to foster the collaboration within African and the Caribbean’s on the role of women in advancing global food systems.
Leading this transformative AgriFood Future initiative, Alex Giordano, a Scientific Director for Agrifood Future 2024, whose visionary leadership is set to drive AgriFood Future 2024 into a new era of innovation and sustainability.
Under Giordano’s guidance, AgriFood Future 2024 will highlight groundbreaking business models and strategies designed to address critical issues such as food waste reduction, supply chain resilience and sustainable farming.
As Salerno prepares to host this landmark event, AgriFood Future 2024 is promise to be a transformative event, bringing together leading voices and decision-makers to shape the future of the Agri-food sector in the Caribbean and Africa as well.
Salerno is set to become the center of Agrifood innovation and sustainability from September 8 to 10, 2024 as it hosts the highly anticipated 2nd AgriFood Future 2024.
This premier event, organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry; Environment and Energy Security; Businesses and Made in Italy, is set to redefine Italy’s AgriFood sector with practical results-oriented speeches and workshops to contribute in reforming and expanding the global discussion on Agrifood systems.
The AgriFood Future will offer a unique opportunity to leverage its rich agricultural heritage, integrating modern technologies to enhance productivity, reduce environmental impact and strengthen its position as a global leader in sustainable food systems.
Leading this year’s transformative AgriFood Future initiative, Alex Giordano, Scientific Director with visionary leadership is set to drive AgriFood Future 2024 into a new era of innovation and sustainability. This year’s theme, “Building a Business in the Food System 5.0,” reflects Giordano’s commitment to merging cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices to advance the AgriFood industry.
Under Giordano’s guidance, AgriFood Future 2024 will highlight groundbreaking business models and strategies designed to address critical issues such as food waste reduction, supply chain resilience and sustainable farming.
Andrea Prete, President of Unioncamere and Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, leads this year’s event on the theme “Building a Sustainable Business in the Food System with AI.” His leadership is key to highlighting the development of a sustainable and innovative business approach within the food industry.
Andrea Prete is an entrepreneur in the industrial automation sector. Today at the helm of Unioncamere he aims to support the transformation in the Italian agri-food sector, focusing on sustainability and digital transformation. He advocates for practices that reduce the environmental impact of agri-food operations, while promoting the adoption of new technologies to improve efficiency and productivity. His efforts have helped streamline operations and increase resource use, ensuring the sector remains competitive in Europe, Italy, Africa and the Caribbean.
In a statement, the President of Unioncamere and promoter of AgriFood Future, Mr. Andrea Prete, expressed his excitement about having Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa as a keynote speaker for the event.
Under Ms. Akosa’s leadership, Agrihouse Foundation has been instrumental in executing initiatives designed to unlock the potential of youth, women and men for innovation in the agricultural sector.
These initiatives include the Gathering of the Royals, Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogues Bootcamps, Monthly Agriwoman Marketplaces, Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclasses, Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forums, and the Gold in the Soil Awards.
Her expertise in leveraging technology and fostering collaboration for the sector aligns perfectly with the themes of our conference,” he added
Her participation is a testament to her exceptional leadership and pioneering contributions to the agri-food sector.” Mr. Prete further acknowledged.
“We look forward to her keynote address and the rich discussions that will follow as we work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive AgriFood Future”.
As Salerno prepares to host this landmark event, AgriFood Future 2024 is promise to be a transformative event, bringing together leading voices and decision-makers to shape the future of the Agri-food sector in the Caribbean and Africa as well.
Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, will deliver a keynote address at the 2nd AgriFood Future 2024 in Salerno, Italy.
The Agrifood Future, a premium event scheduled from September 8 to 11, 2024, will feature her keynote on the topic “Women Leading in Agritech” is expected to highlight the vital role women are playing and will play and can play in advancing global food systems if given the platform.
Alberta will also be sharing Agrihouse Foundation’s Agri interventions and the growth and impacts the interventions have been making within the African Region.
The AgriFood Future is organized by Unioncamere and the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno, with the patronage of the European parliament, Italian ministries of Agriculture Food Sovereignty and Forestry; Environment and Energy Security; Businesses, and Made in Italy, this year’s event will focus on the theme “Building a Business in the Food System 5.0 with AI“ it will highlight and explore innovative practices, partnerships and collaborations that can drive growth and efficiency within the agri-food sector.
Alberta’s participation becomes very strategic this year as the AgriFood Future seeks to broaden its scope to cover the African and Caribbean Regions in the short and long term.
This major event is expected to lead to the expansion and participation of more African and Caribbean and offer the opportunity to delve into the global business in food systems and how we can collectively build it.
In a statement, the President of Unioncamere and promoter of AgriFood Future, Mr. Andrea Prete, expressed his excitement about having Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa as a keynote speaker for the event.
According to her, participating in AgriFood Future 2024 will help promote and create opportunities for Ghana, Africa, and the Caribbean regions on the global stage.
“Ms. Akosa has been at the forefront of transforming agricultural practices in Africa, particularly through her work in promoting innovation, sustainability, and capacity building within the agricultural community in Ghana.
Her expertise in leveraging technology and fostering collaboration for the sector aligns perfectly with the themes of our conference,” he added
Her participation is a testament to her exceptional leadership and pioneering contributions to the agri-food sector.” Mr. Prete further acknowledged.
“We look forward to her keynote address and the rich discussions that will follow as we work together to build a more sustainable and inclusive AgriFood Future”.
Adding his voice, the Scientific Director, for AgriFood Future, Alex Giordano Stated that Ms. Akosa’s selection to speak at AgriFood Future 2024, is in recognition of the substantial impact Agrihouse Foundation has made in Ghana’s agricultural sector, particularly in youth advocacy, women empowerment, and enhancing market accessibility through their initiatives and interventions.
‘’As a leading advocate for women, youth, and men in Ghana’s agriculture sector, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa embodies the spirit of innovation and progress that AgriFood Future aims to celebrate’’.
Her insights and participation at this year’s 2nd Agrifood Future will no doubt provide an invaluable perspective on the role of women in advancing global food systems and highlight how Africa can contribute to and benefit from global AgriFood advancements.
Sharing her excitement, the Executive Director of Agrihouse Foundation, Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Unioncamere for the opportunity to deliver a keynote address at the 2nd Agrifood Future 2024.
“I am honored to be the first Ghanaian to address attendees at this year’s AgriFood Future, and I look forward to discussing how women leaders in Agritech are driving innovation and how Ghana and Africa can harness these advancements to create a more sustainable and equitable food system.”
She further emphasized that her insights aim to position Ghana and Africa as key players in the global agricultural arena, fostering valuable connections and business opportunities across international borders.
” The AgriFood Future 2024 provides an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration, by this I will also explore how Africa can leverage global platforms like AgriFood Future to enhance agricultural practices,” stated Ms. Akosa.
Under Ms. Akosa’s leadership, the Agrihouse Foundation has been instrumental in executing initiatives designed to unlock the potential of youth, women, and men for innovation in the agricultural sector.
These initiatives include the Gathering of the Royals, Agricultural Student Career Guidance and Mentorship Dialogues Bootcamps, Monthly Agriwoman Marketplaces, Executive Beginner Agribusiness Masterclasses, Women in Food and Agricultural Leadership Forums, and the Gold in the Soil Awards.
Additionally, Agrihouse Foundation hosts the annual Pre-Harvest Agribusiness Conference and Exhibitions, the Livestock, Poultry, and Fisheries Tradeshow, Ghana Agrochemical and Crop Protection Exhibitions and Awards (GACA), 1Household 1Garden, and Ghana Poultry Day. These initiatives have and continue to empower the next generation of agricultural leaders, particularly in rural communities where the innovation potential is vast but often untapped.
