The Ghana Cocoa Board is set to introduce a new scholarship scheme targeted at children of cocoa farmers pursuing tertiary education to pursue most importantly agricultural related programs that will provide them the knowledge and kills in modernization of cocoa sector.
Dr. Ofosu Ampofo explained that the scholarship scheme, which previously supported children of cocoa farmers at the secondary school level, has become defunct following the introduction of the Free Senior High School policy.
As a result, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the new COCOBOD Board to design a fresh scholarship framework focused on tertiary education.
“So we’ve been charged to come out with a new scholarship scheme that will be targeted at children of cocoa farmers who want to enter various tertiary institutions in the country. And I have been championing the case that charity begins at home. And so we must focus on Bunso Cocoa College and ensure that the children of cocoa farmers are encouraged to attend Bunso Cocoa College to acquire new knowledge that will let them grow back and expand the farms of their fathers and mothers and also adopt new technologies and techniques that will ensure sustainable development of the cocoa industry”.
The Board Chairman of COCOBOD, Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, made this known at the 75th and 3rd Graduation Ceremony of Bunso Cocoa College.
According to Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Board Chairman of COCOBOD, the new scholarship initiative will ensure that children of cocoa farmers are given the opportunity to acquire higher education and relevant skills to sustain and modernise the cocoa sector.
The Board Chairman stressed that Bunso Cocoa College will be the first port of call for children of cocoa farmers seeking specialised training in cocoa production and agribusiness.
Bunso Cocoa College, established in 1950, is the premier training institution of COCOBOD and currently runs Diploma programmes in cocoa-related disciplines.
The Chief Executive Officer of COCOBOD, Randy Abbey, underscored the relevance of the institution in delivering applied knowledge crucial to the sustainability of the cocoa sector.
He announced that, the college will soon be upgraded into a fully fledged University to fulfill its mission statement in the Cocoa Secror
The College has also secured re-accreditation for another five years and is preparing to roll out new degree programmes, a development that is expected to enhance opportunities for scholarship beneficiaries.
Rector of the College, Mrs. Mercy Asamoah appealed for structured posting of students to COCOBOD’s subsidiaries and divisions for National Service, internships and attachments.
She also requested “Provision of a dedicated College bus to support field practical trainings and industry exposure, facelift of the College campus to reflect its 75 years of service and future status as a tertiary institution of excellence, provision of modern laboratory and ICT facilities to enhance teaching, learning, and research and support for staff development and motivation, including training and academic advancement”
The Rector also appealed for a Seed funding for applied research and innovation in cocoa and tree crops stating that such interventions will greatly strengthen the College’s journey.
Graduands at the ceremony were urged to contribute meaningfully to the growth of Ghana’s agricultural sector.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
