Bawumia promises free university education for children of cocoa farmers

The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has announced a new initiative promising free university education for children of cocoa farmers, starting next year.

He disclosed this during the Farmers’ Day celebrations in the Odotobri Constituency, highlighting that COCOBOD will fund the tuition, easing the financial pressure on farming families.

“Today, because of the free SHS, everybody’s child is attending senior high school for free. Government has taken the decision that from next year, children of cocoa farmers, COCOBOD will pay their university fees for free,” he affirmed.

The Chief of Odotobri, Nana Adu Darko, voiced concerns about the worsening state of local farmlands, citing climate change and deforestation as major challenges.

“All our lands have been devastated... we will be very grateful to the incoming president Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia,” he said, appealing for government intervention in an afforestation drive.

He added, “All our forest trees have been cut down affecting the growth of trees in the forest and affecting farming as well.”

Dr. Bawumia responded by pledging to introduce advanced technologies to address these environmental issues, aiming to revitalise farmlands and support sustainable agriculture.

He assured the farmers that the government’s commitment extends beyond education, focusing on restoring the fertility of their lands for improved farming outcomes.

This initiative could be a game-changer for cocoa-growing communities, addressing both economic and environmental challenges simultaneously.