Dr. Isaac Yaw Ofori Opoku, the Member of Parliament for Offinso South and Ranking Member of the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee, has called on the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to fulfill its mandate by devoting equal attention to coffee and shea nuts.
The lawmaker observed that, historically, officials have prioritized cocoa at the expense of these other vital sectors, despite both falling squarely under the jurisdiction of COCOBOD.
The Board’s primary objectives encompass managing the production, quality control, and sale of Ghana’s cocoa, coffee, and shea nut industries.
Furthermore, COCOBOD is tasked with launching pest and disease control programs and funding scientific research to improve crop quality.
These efforts are designed to increase national profitability by promoting the processing of raw materials and cocoa waste into value-added products for both local and global markets.
During an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Dr. Opoku expressed his concern that there remains considerable room for improvement regarding the management of coffee and shea.
He recommended that officials implement robust measures to regulate internal trade and oversee the official grading, sealing, and certification of these crops, mirroring the rigorous processes currently established for cocoa.
“We have to dedicate enough resources and time in the management of coffee and shea nuts. Shea in particular has great value. The COCOBOD has a substation at Bole where they research into coffee and shea nuts, but they have to do better. We have to push in more resources to the North and place value on shea because, if we are able to do that, we will get a good price for it. We should also not ignore coffee,” he told host Kwabena Agyapong.
The MP further recounted that former CEO Dr. Opuni had previously made attempts to enhance coffee management with the ambitious goal of generating 100,000 metric tonnes.
Dr. Opoku stressed that cocoa must not remain the sole focus of agricultural investment and institutional attention if the country wishes to maximize its economic potential.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
