News:
November 2, 2011
Former boss of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Isaac Osei, has congratulated COCOBOD for achieving the one million metric tons of cocoa in the 2010/2011.
COCOBOD announced few weeks ago that, cocoa purchases by the Board for the 2010/2011 season was 1.024 million metric tons; a target which has been on the Board’s agenda since 2006.
Hon. Isaac Osei gave the commendation when he made a statement on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday to highlight the continuous effort by governments, COCOBOD and other stakeholders to increase cocoa production in the country.
The Subin MP, who headed COCOBOD during the NPP regime, stated that, this is welcoming news that gladdens the hearts of all Ghanaians. He said it also implies that when the right things are done, Ghana will move forward.
According to him, the attainment of the one million metric tons of cocoa is as a result of the institution of measures such as Cocoa Diseases and Pets Control (CODAPEC) and new hybrid seedlings with special fertilizer application during the Kufuor administration.
He explained that, in 1964 Dr. Kwame Nkrumah introduced a mass insecticide spraying campaign that let to production reaching a record of 580,000 metric tons. However Hon. Osei says successive governments failed to capitalize on this and by 1983/84, cocoa output in Ghana receded to lowest point of 156,000 metric tons until NDC (one government) privatized internal marketing of cocoa thereby bringing competition and enhancing the cocoa industry to some extent.
Later in an interview with Asempa News, Hon. Isaac Osei commended cocoa farmers, Haulers, Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs), Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana and other partner who helped make the set target a reality.
He also commended Kwahu Manhene Daasebre Akuamoah Boateng II who used to be the Board Chairman of COCOBOD and his Board Members as well as the Former Chief Executive officer, Mr. Kwame Sarpong.
Hon. Osei however called on the present management and board with Dr. Percival Kuranchie as Chairman, to address the question of production sustainability in the future while dealing with topical issues such as chemical residue, child labour and certification.
Asempa FM