Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Joseph Boahene Aidoo, has noted that the extreme weather conditions is likely to have an adverse effect on the country’s cocoa production.
Mr Aidoo stated that the downpours and excessive dryness will worsen the impact of the cocoa swollen shoot disease on cocoa produce.
“Our cocoa farms have been affected by the extreme weather conditions caused by excessive rains and then excessive dryness. It is definitely going to affect production.
“But it is only coming to exacerbate an existing systemic problem. Systemic problems had to do with cocoa swollen shoot disease. That is the main driver of the decrease in production of cocoa in Ghana.”
He stressed the urgent need for proactive measures to tackle the dual threats of climate change and cocoa diseases.
His remarks underscore the critical importance of safeguarding the future of Ghana’s cocoa sector through strategic interventions and adaptation strategies.