The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced plans to introduce free tertiary education for children of cocoa farmers as part of efforts to strengthen support for farming families across the country.

The initiative is expected to expand existing scholarship opportunities and ensure that the children of cocoa farmers can pursue higher education without financial barriers.

Speaking during an engagement with cocoa farmers from the Abuakwa North and Fanteakwa South districts in the Eastern Region, COCOBOD Board Chairman Samuel Ofosu Ampofo disclosed that a special committee has been set up to review and guide the implementation of the expanded scholarship programme.

“The government has directed us to ensure that scholarships for children of cocoa farmers extend to the tertiary level. A committee has been set up to oversee this, and we expect to bring its recommendations for implementation soon,” Dr. Ofosu Ampofo stated.

He explained that the move forms part of broader efforts to improve the welfare of cocoa farmers and their families while encouraging more young people from cocoa-growing communities to pursue higher education.

Beyond education, Dr. Ofosu Ampofo also outlined ongoing interventions aimed at improving cocoa production and ensuring the safety of farmers in their daily activities.

According to him, COCOBOD is distributing about 2,700 motorised spraying machines to farmers to help increase efficiency in farm operations. In addition, approximately 89,000 personal protective equipment (PPE) kits will be supplied to ensure farmers carry out their work safely.

“As I speak to you now, these machines and PPE kits will be made available to cocoa farmers to improve their farming activities,” he added.

The initiative underscores COCOBOD’s continued commitment to improving livelihoods in cocoa-growing communities while strengthening Ghana’s cocoa sector.