Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to send a team of scientists and agricultural experts to to bolster Liberia’s cocoa industry.
This initiative, facilitated through the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), aims to enhance cocoa farming practices in Liberia and promote sustainable agricultural development.
During a recent ceremony where Ambassador Musu Jatu Ruhle presented her credentials, President Mahama confirmed that the team will soon arrive in Liberia to engage in discussions on providing technical support. The collaboration is set to cover various aspects of cocoa production, including research innovation and sustainable farming practices.
“Recognizing the potential for regional growth and solidarity, COCOBOD and CRIG are stepping up to offer the necessary technical support to revitalize Liberia’s cocoa sector,” Mahama stated. The initiative will involve deploying agronomists, researchers, and extension officers who will work directly with the Ministry of Agriculture and local farmers. Their focus will be on providing training in best practices for cocoa cultivation, including proper pruning techniques, effective pest management, seedling distribution, and nursery development.
A key component of this partnership is the provision of high-yield, disease-resistant cocoa seedlings to replace aging or diseased trees. This effort aims to lay the foundation for more resilient cocoa farms in Liberia. Furthermore, the experts will assist farmers with post-harvest processing techniques, emphasizing fermentation and drying methods that enhance bean quality to meet international standards.
Ambassador Ruhle expressed gratitude on behalf of the Liberian people, acknowledging Ghana’s unwavering support. “This act of kindness strengthens the bond between Liberia and Ghana and reflects our shared vision for peace, progress, and prosperity across the region,” she said.
The announcement comes at a critical time for Liberia’s cocoa sector, which has been grappling with challenges such as low yields and limited access to research-based farming practices. The collaboration with Ghana aims to share decades of scientific research and field-tested solutions, empowering Liberian farmers and policymakers to unlock the sector’s full potential.
“By sharing resources and expertise, Ghana and Liberia are demonstrating the strength of regional unity and the potential for mutual prosperity,” Mahama added. He highlighted that the collaboration is not only a product of the long-standing relationship between the two nations but also a manifestation of his personal friendship with Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
