Tarkwa: Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) has launched its cocoa farmers support programme in the host communities of Tarkwa Mine, aiming to enhance production and promote responsible farming practices.
According to Ghana News Agency, the programme, which was initially started in Damang in 2018, supported 600 farmers over three years and resulted in a 77 percent increase in average cocoa yields among the beneficiaries. Dr. Catherine Kuupol Kuutor, the Manager of Gold Fields Tarkwa Mine, highlighted at the launch that the GFGF has invested over US$6.9 million in agriculture to foster sector growth. The initiative has notably increased the income of cocoa farmers, with some experiencing up to a 40 percent rise.
Dr. Kuutor emphasized that the success of the programme showcases the effective coexistence of mining and farming, underlining the Foundation's commitment to the sustainability of host communities. In addition to the cocoa farmers support programme, other key initiatives include livestock production, the Community Oil Palm Project (COPP), and Youth in Organic Horticulture Production (YouHop).
Despite cocoa being a significant cash crop for Ghana, generating over US$2 billion annually and supporting more than one million farmers, the sector faces challenges such as limited access to inputs, pest outbreaks, and labor shortages. To address these issues, the GFGF introduced the support programme, particularly benefiting the Pepesa and Huniso communities in the Prestea Huni-Valley Municipal, where cocoa farming is a primary income source but production levels are low.
A baseline assessment in Tarkwa communities revealed an average yield of 2.2 bags per acre, much lower than the recommended eight bags per acre. The study identified challenges in input access, pest management, finance, and labor. Dr. Kuutor stated that the cocoa farmers' support programme aims to bridge these gaps by providing inputs, facilitating credit access through the Promprom Credit Union, and offering training on climate-resilient farming.
The programme also integrates safety training, encouraging farmers to optimize yields while minimizing risks. Mr. Issah Salifu Taylor, the Member of Parliament for the Tarkwa Nsuaem Constituency, praised Gold Fields' dedication to people-centered development initiatives, pledging collaboration with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, Ghana Cocoa Board, and Gold Fields to sustain the programme.
Nana Adarkwa Bediako III, the Apinto Gyaasehene, chaired the function and urged Gold Fields to reclaim lands near their operations for cocoa farming as part of their social responsibility. Mr. Yaw Bedu, a cocoa farmer from Huniso, encouraged selected farmers to fully utilize the programme for optimal results.
The GFGF aims to support 300 cocoa farmers over five years with essential inputs like fertilizers, pesticides, and seedlings. The programme also includes training on best practices and agroforestry, aiming for significant yield increases, farm growth, improved income, enhanced farmer capabilities, and environmentally friendly practices.
