The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) says cocoa road projects which are currently under construction across the country will continue and be completed.
COCOBOD explained that new “Cocoa road projects” will not be initiated following Government’s ongoing engagement with International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The clarification from COCOBOD follows media reports that all cocoa road projects have been put on ice following an order from the IMF.
According to the information, the only active IMF program is with the Government of Ghana, not COCOBOD.
The Cocoa Road Programme was initiated by COCOBOD to resolve transport issues pertaining to the delivery of agro-inputs to cocoa farmers and to facilitate cocoa bean evacuation.
Speaking to journalists at the 50th Anniversary Celebration symposium of the Cocoa Clinic, CEO of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo explained the essence of the cocoa roads was to allow residents in cocoa growing areas to have easy access to healthcare and other important social amenities to ensure rapid development.
"The EU sent a team last year to do due diligence on sustainable production and when they came, a member of the delegation wanted to know why COCOBOD has been involved in cocoa roads construction because it is not a core business of COCOBOD and the said member of delegation insisted that we take that venture out of our equation; and, the IMF is also saying the same thing.
"They say that we can continue with what we are currently constructing and not start new ones", Mr Boahen hinted.
In addition, he outlined plans for establishing healthcare centers in cocoa-growing communities to improve farmers' access to medical care, citing instances of arduous travel for medical care as motivation.
"I have had the experience where a woman, who was in labour and couldn't deliver in 2001 had to be carried in a hammock and travelled over 28 kilometers and couldn't survive. And, when we look at the countryside to see how our cocoa farmers struggle to access health delivery, you will be touched to do something; and that is why, as an institution, it is important to bring health services and facilities as closer to these farmers as possible."
This goes to illustrate the importance of the Cocoa Roads projects embarked upon by the government.
Latest Stories
-
Afcon 2025Q: Thomas Partey missing as Otto Addo names 25-man squad for Angola and Niger Games
10 mins -
Over 200 underprivileged patients receive free reconstructive surgery in Ghana
12 mins -
Let no one deceive you; Ghana is not America
26 mins -
This is our moment to stand on the side of true patriots – Fifi Kwetey rallies Ghanaians for Dec. 7
26 mins -
Afcon 2025Q: Jordan Ayew to captain Ghana for Angola and Niger games
27 mins -
Northern chiefs embrace Alan Kyerematen as he storms the region with his campaign
33 mins -
Afcon 2025Q: Two Ghana Premier League players handed debut call ups for Angola and Niger games
34 mins -
Change on the horizon: Restoring hope and building the Ghana we want
46 mins -
Election 2024: Walewale Chief praises Alan Kyerematen’s competence and humility
55 mins -
Martin Amidu condemns government’s ‘cynical’ ministerial reshuffle amid Bawku crisis
56 mins -
Video: K.T. Hammond flares up after Speaker adjourns Parliament again
56 mins -
Make sure you stick to the rules when applying for a UK visa – High Commissioner
58 mins -
Parliament deadlock could affect public sector salaries – Nyarko Osei Warns
1 hour -
AFCON 2025Q: Otto Addo explains Partey’s exclusion
1 hour -
Bawku conflict: Amidu questions government’s security reshuffle and implications for 2024 elections
1 hour