The Brong Ahafo Women Cocoa Co-operative Farmers and Marketing Central Union (BAWCOF) has held its fourth congress in Techiman, Bono East Region, under the theme “Nurturing a Woman, Cultivating Life.

” The event celebrated the remarkable contributions of women in Ghana’s cocoa industry and highlighted their growing role in sustainable agricultural development.

Addressing delegates, Mrs. Martha Addai, President of BAWCOF, announced that the Union’s members had contributed over 4,455 metric tonnes of cocoa to Ghana’s national production.

She commended the resilience and dedication of women farmers who continue to play a vital part in sustaining the nation’s cocoa economy.

Representing the Chief Executive of COCOBOD, the Executive Director of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), Dr. Adu Acheampong, lauded BAWCOF for empowering women through training, financial assistance, and improved market access.

He noted that the Union’s initiatives align with Ghana’s efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on poverty reduction and women’s empowerment by 2030.

Dr. Acheampong reaffirmed COCOBOD’s commitment to supporting women-led cooperatives, emphasising that their leadership and innovation are crucial to building a resilient and inclusive cocoa sector.

As part of the congress activities, personnel from the Cocoa Clinic branches in Kumasi and Sefwi Debiso conducted free health screening for participants, reinforcing BAWCOF’s commitment to the well-being of its members.

The event brought together women farmers, cooperatives, development partners, and key industry stakeholders to celebrate progress, share experiences, and strengthen partnerships toward advancing women’s participation in Ghana’s cocoa value chain.