By: Gloria Anderson
The Fair Trade Ghana Network (FTGN) has intensified its call on farmers across the country to join the Fairtrade system, citing improved incomes, sustainable farming practices, and tangible community development projects funded through Fairtrade premiums.
Speaking at an awareness creation workshop in Accra, President of the Fair Trade Ghana Network, Emmanuel Sarpong said Fairtrade membership has transformed the livelihoods of cocoa farmers through training, market access, and direct premium payments.
Mr. Sarpong noted that farmers are trained in Good Agricultural Practices, the use of modern equipment, and sustainable methods, which qualify their produce for Fair Trade markets. Under the system, cocoa sold as Fairtrade attracts a premium which is paid directly to farmers and managed collectively for development projects.
He said Fair Trade premiums in his area have been used to construct offices, establish cocoa nurseries, support child labour monitoring committees, provide school uniforms and bags, and build schools closer to farming communities.
“We have done a lot through the premiums schools, nurseries, offices, and child protection interventions. These are real benefits farmers can see,” he said.
Touching on the threat of illegal mining (galamsey) to cocoa farming, Mr Sarpong warned that Ghana risks losing thousands of cocoa farms if decisive action is not sustained. He urged government and COCOBOD to prioritise youth involvement in cocoa sustainability by introducing cocoa clubs in second-cycle institutions.
“Cocoa will last forever if we protect the land, but gold destroys the soil. When the land is destroyed, what future do we leave for our children?” he asked.
He commended security agencies and local task forces for their efforts in clamping down on illegal mining and appealed to policymakers to support enforcement with logistics and legislation.
“Money is not everything. If we destroy the land today, tomorrow there will be nothing left,” he cautioned.
Also addressing the workshop, an organiser with the Fairtrade Ghana Network Faustina Sikpe said the programme was aimed at educating farmers on how Fairtrade operates and the distinction between Fair Trade Ghana Network and Fair Trade Africa.
She explained that once a producer or cooperative is certified under the Fair Trade label, they automatically become members of the Ghana Network and benefit from the Fair Trade value chain.
“Fair Trade premiums are paid directly to farmers. Through this, cooperatives have supported health centres, schools, and even purchased equipment to improve transportation,” she said.
Coordinator for Fair Trade Ghana Network, Felix Ayambire outlined the certification process, stating that interested cooperatives must choose a Fairtrade label and undergo registration, audits, and compliance checks by independent certification bodies.
“The premiums, secure markets and community development opportunities make Fair Trade very profitable in the long run,” he said.
The Fair Trade Ghana Network said it will continue to engage both certified and non-certified producers to expand membership and strengthen sustainable agriculture across the country as Ghana prepares for the 2026 cocoa season.
