The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana COCOBOD, Dr. Ransford Abbey, has commenced a working tour of the Bono Region aimed at engaging cocoa farmers and traditional authorities to address key challenges in the cocoa sector and enhance farmer welfare.

Dr. Abbey’s tour began with a courtesy call at the Dormaa Palace, where he was warmly received by the Queen Mother of the Dormaa Traditional Area, Odeneho Dr. Akosua Frema Dwaben II.

Speaking at the Abanpredease Palace, Dr. Abbey emphasised that the purpose of his visit was to deepen collaboration with farmers and traditional leaders to improve productivity and sustainability in the cocoa industry.

“Our goal is to work hand-in-hand with traditional leaders and cocoa farmers to find practical solutions to the pressing issues in the sector,” he stated.

The Queen Mother, Odeneho Dr. Akosua Frema Dwaben II, welcomed the COCOBOD boss and urged him to implement forward-looking policies that would revitalise the cocoa industry and ensure long-term benefits for farmers.

Continuing his tour, Dr. Abbey visited cocoa farmers in Berekum, where he listened to their concerns and proposals. The farmers called for urgent reforms, including access to inputs, improved pricing, and youth-friendly policies to make cocoa farming more appealing and profitable.

Dr. Abbey assured the farmers of COCOBOD’s commitment to transforming the sector and pledged to relay their concerns to the appropriate authorities for action.

The working tour is expected to cover more districts in the region, with further engagements planned to strengthen the link between COCOBOD and the farming communities it serves