The Bono Regional Director of the Department of Cooperatives, Francisca Adorkor-Khein has called on farmers, particularly cashew farmers, to unite and form cooperatives to strengthen their collective voice and improve their livelihoods.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly formed Bono Cashew Farmers’ Cooperative Union at Nsawkaw in the Tain District, the Regional Director emphasized that cooperation among farmers is essential for growth, resilience, and economic empowerment within the cashew industry.
She noted that by coming together under a shared vision and demonstrating the true spirit of cooperation, farmers could lay a solid foundation for stronger market access, collective bargaining power, value addition, and sustainable income generation.
“When farmers unite, they amplify their voices, attract better opportunities, and ensure equitable benefits across the value chain. The formation of this Union is indeed a bold step toward unity, empowerment, and sustainable development in the cashew sector,” she stated.
The establishment of the Bono Cashew Farmers’ Cooperative Union was facilitated by Cashew Watch Ghana under its ongoing project, “Amplifying the Voices of Cashew Farmers – Phase 2,” funded by the STAR-Ghana Foundation.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Raphael Godlove Ahenu, Chief Executive Officer of Global Media Foundation (GloMeF) and National Coordinator of Cashew Watch Ghana, commended the farmers for their commitment to collective action.
“For too long, cashew farmers have worked in isolation with limited power to influence policy or negotiate fair prices,” Mr. Ahenu said. “This Union represents a new dawn for the cashew sector — one where farmers’ voices will be heard, their rights protected, and their livelihoods improved through cooperation and advocacy.”
He expressed gratitude to STAR-Ghana Foundation for supporting the initiative, adding that Cashew Watch Ghana will continue to empower farmers with training, advocacy tools, and market linkages to enhance their participation in the cashew value chain.
The Value Chain Officer at the Tree Crop Development Authority (TCDA), Dwoben Nyantakyi traditional leaders, and farmer-based organizations graced the occasion, commending the initiative as a major milestone in advancing the interests of smallholder cashew farmers in Ghana.
The newly inaugurated Union announced that its immediate priorities would include conducting leadership elections, building the capacity of members in cooperative management, advocating for fair pricing policies, and strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders in the cashew value chain. These efforts aim to position cashew farmers in the Bono Region as a unified, influential force driving sustainable agricultural and economic development.
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