Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has announced that starting next year, children of cocoa farmers will have their university fees fully covered by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
Speaking during this year’s Farmers’ Day celebrations in the Amansie Central Assembly’s Odotobri Constituency, Bawumia emphasized that the initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to alleviate financial burdens on cocoa farmers’ families and improve access to higher education.
Bawumia also highlighted the success of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, which ensures that every child can attend secondary school without paying fees.
He expressed confidence that extending financial support to the children of cocoa farmers for their tertiary education would further enhance opportunities for the next generation.
The move aims to recognize the contributions of cocoa farmers while empowering their children to achieve greater educational success.
During the event, Nana Adu Darko, the Chief of Odotobri, raised concerns about the poor state of farmlands in the region, citing the adverse effects of climate change.
He called on the government to assist with restoring the land through an afforestation program.
In response, Bawumia assured the chief and the community that the government would introduce new technology to address the challenges of soil degradation and enhance agricultural productivity in the area.