ACCRA, Ghana – Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that arrangements are underway to extend technical support to Liberia’s cocoa sector through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG).
Speaking at a ceremony organized to receive the credentials of Ambassador Musu Jatu Ruhle, the Ghanaian leader revealed that a team of experts will soon depart for Liberia to initiate discussions on technical support, including research innovations and sustainable farming practices.
According to President Mahama, through this collaboration, COCOBOD and CRIG will deploy agronomists, researchers, and extension officers to work closely with Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture and cocoa farmers. The goal is to provide training and capacity building on best practices in cocoa cultivation—from proper pruning techniques to effective pest management, seedling distribution, and nursery development, among others.
“Recognizing the potential for regional growth and solidarity, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana must step forward to provide technical support to help revitalize Liberia’s cocoa sector,” the Ghanaian leader emphasized.
He further stated that COCOBOD will not only supply high-yield, disease-resistant cocoa seedlings to replace aging or diseased trees—laying the foundation for more resilient farms—but will also focus on post-harvest processing techniques. This initiative will include expert guidance on fermentation and drying methods to enhance bean quality, ensuring that Liberian cocoa meets international standards.
For her part, H.E. Musu Jatu Ruhle, on behalf of the Government and people of Liberia, expressed profound gratitude for Ghana’s unwavering support and kind gesture toward Liberia. She noted that Ghana’s generosity and commitment to fostering unity and cooperation between the two nations exemplify the true spirit of African solidarity.
“This act of kindness strengthens the bond between Liberia and Ghana. It reflects our shared vision for peace, progress, and prosperity across the region. We are profoundly grateful for your compassion, which continues to inspire hope and deepen the friendship between our peoples,” she stated.
Liberia’s cocoa sector holds immense potential, but challenges such as low yields, aging trees, and limited access to research-based farming practices have hindered its growth. In response to these challenges, CRIG will collaborate with Liberian agricultural authorities and farmer cooperatives to share decades of scientific research and field-tested solutions.
Although Liberia is rich in natural resources and fertile lands, it has struggled to develop a competitive cocoa industry due to limited access to modern farming techniques, low-yield crops, and post-harvest losses. Understanding these difficulties, COCOBOD and CRIG have stepped in to share their wealth of knowledge, assisting Liberian farmers and policymakers in unlocking the sector’s full potential.
“This partnership will serve as a powerful example of how intra-African cooperation can accelerate development. By sharing resources and expertise, Ghana and Liberia will demonstrate the strength of regional unity and the potential for mutual prosperity. As Ghana COCOBOD and CRIG continue to support Liberia’s cocoa sector, it will not only uplift farmers but also contribute to the broader vision of a thriving, interconnected African agricultural landscape,” Mahama asserted.
In closing, the Ghanaian leader reiterated that this initiative is not only a testament to the long-standing relationship between the two nations but also a reflection of his personal friendship with Liberia’s President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
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