The Government of Ghana has officially launched a groundbreaking tertiary scholarship scheme tailored specifically for the children of cocoa farmers. The initiative, announced by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, is aimed at enhancing access to higher education for students from cocoa-growing communities across the country.

Speaking at the launch on Monday, 4 August, Dr Forson revealed that the scholarship scheme, which will be operational from the 2026/2027 academic year, is a collaborative effort between the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Ministry of Education. The scheme will cover tuition fees, accommodation, and provide stipends for eligible beneficiaries enrolled in tertiary institutions nationwide.

“President John Mahama has introduced a tertiary education scholarship scheme for children of cocoa farmers. Subsequently, in the 2025/2026 season, the Cocobod will develop modalities and implement the cocoa tertiary scholarship scheme,” Dr Forson said.

To qualify, applicants must provide evidence of their parents’ or guardians’ active involvement in cocoa farming, meet academic performance requirements set by COCOBOD, and gain admission to a recognised tertiary institution.

The scholarship programme is a direct response to long-standing appeals by farmer associations and civil society organisations, who have persistently advocated for increased investment in cocoa-dependent communities.

Despite cocoa’s significant contribution to Ghana’s economy—generating over $2.5 billion annually in foreign exchange—many cocoa-growing regions continue to face socio-economic challenges, including limited access to quality education beyond the basic level.

According to recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), although tertiary enrolment rates have improved over the years, students from rural agricultural communities remain disadvantaged due to financial constraints and fewer academic opportunities.

The new scholarship initiative seeks to narrow this gap by empowering the next generation from cocoa-farming families to pursue careers in various professional fields. It is also expected to motivate more youth in cocoa-growing areas to aim for higher education and contribute to innovation and value addition in the agriculture sector.

This new initiative expands on existing support systems, such as the Cocoa Farmers' Scholarship Scheme for secondary education, which has already benefited thousands of students. By extending support to the tertiary level, the government hopes to create a continuous educational journey for children of cocoa farmers, enabling them to realise their full potential and escape the cycle of poverty.

Source: Myjoyonline.com