US Ambassador tours COCOBOD Facilities

Accra , Jan 19, GNA - The US Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Robert P. Jackson and some officials of the US Embassy have paid a visit to COCOBOD facilities in the Eastern Region to acquaint themselves with activities of the cocoa industry.

Accompanied by COCOBOD Management team led by the Deputy Chief Executive in charge of Agronomy & Quality Control, Dr. Francis K. Oppong, Mr Robert Jackson visited the Tetteh Quarshie and Jubilee Farms at Mampong, Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) at Tafo, a Cocoa Farm and Nursery Site at Bunso.

A statement from COCOBOD said the visit to these areas afforded the US Embassy Delegation the opportunity to learn about Tetteh Quarshie Farm where commercial cocoa farming first started in 1879.

At CRIG, the delegation was schooled on some scientific studies being carried out to improve upon cocoa planting materials to increase yield.

Explaining why Ghana's cocoa has been touted the best quality cocoa in the world, Dr. Francis Kofi Oppong, said quality control measures were strictly ensured at every stage of the entire cocoa value chain.

He added that quality planting materials, fertilizers as well as continuous extension services were given to cocoa farmers free of charge to keep them abreast of modern trends in cocoa production.

Dr. Oppong disclosed that through a partnership between TCHO Ventures, a chocolate company in California, USA, USAID and CRIG, the Fine Flavour Laboratory at CRIG has had its status enhanced to produce good quality chocolate.

He appreciated the support of the US Government, stating that most of the highly-skilled scientists of the Institute acquired their PhDs from various renowned universities in the US and called for deepening collaboration.

Mr Robert Jackson on his part lauded COCOBOD on the numerous efforts being undertaken to ensure the sustainability of the country's major cash crop that remained the mainstay of Ghana's economy for years.

He was thankful for the insightful learning experiences and commended cocoa farmers and staff of COCOBOD for their hard work.

GNA