COCOBOD to destroy diseased cocoa trees

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) will begin a nationwide exercise to cut down millions of cocoa trees affected by the black pod and witches’ broom diseases.

The exercise is in line with the government’s policy to increase cocoa yields this season.

It is also to help recapture the country’s position as the world’s leading cocoa producer.

According to COCOBOD, the affected farmers would be compensated with annual stipends for three years to allow the new and high-yielding seedlings that would replace the destroyed trees to mature.

Communication Director at COCOBOD Noah Amenya added that the move is necessary to eradicate the disease to ensure a boost in cocoa production.