By Gloria Anderson
The Asunafo North Co-operative Cocoa Farmers’ Union has held its end-of-year review meeting, highlighting key achievements in community development, environmental protection, and farmer support programmes implemented in 2025, while also outlining priorities for the year ahead.
Addressing members, Union Manager Kuma Herman Erasmus said the engagement aimed to update farmers on the union’s performance and the use of Fairtrade and premium support funds. He noted that, with backing from partner organizations, the union successfully implemented several community-based projects to improve members’ welfare.
Mr. Erasmus emphasised that Fairtrade certification has delivered significant benefits to farmers, describing it as more farmer-focused than other certification schemes. He assured members that in 2026, the union would continue to channel premium funds into initiatives directly impacting farmers’ livelihoods.
Union President Emmanuel Nana Sarpong reaffirmed the union’s commitment to sustainable agriculture and the overall welfare of cocoa farmers. He appealed to the government to ensure that producer prices reflect global market trends and the prevailing exchange rate.
“Cocoa is sold on the world market in dollars, so when global prices or exchange rates improve, farmers must also benefit through better producer prices,” he stated.
Nana Sarpong also cautioned farmers against involvement in illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, warning that it causes permanent destruction to farmlands.
“I urge farmers to stay away from galamsey because it destroys the land permanently, but cocoa farming gives us hope and income every year,” he added.
He further encouraged farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and embrace agroforestry systems that integrate cocoa cultivation with other crops, protecting the environment while enhancing livelihoods.
The union’s mission focuses on providing training, as well as technical and financial support to members, aiming to bridge the living income gap and improve living conditions. The Asunafo North Co-operative Cocoa Farmers’ Union comprises 75 cooperative communities within the Asunafo North Municipality, with a total membership of 9,547 farmers, over 46 percent of whom are women.
