Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, has announced a new Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme targeted at the children of Ghanaian cocoa farmers, as part of broader social interventions being rolled out by the administration of President John Dramani Mahama.
In a statement posted on Monday, August 4, 2025, Dr. Forson disclosed that the Cocoa Tertiary Scholarship Scheme will be developed and implemented by COCOBOD during the 2025/2026 cocoa season, with benefits taking effect from the 2026/2027 academic year.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure to announce to cocoa farmers that President Mahama has introduced a Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers,” the Finance Minister wrote.
The initiative is aimed at easing the financial burden on cocoa-producing families and improving access to higher education for children of farmers, many of whom face significant economic challenges despite their parents’ contributions to Ghana’s key export commodity.
Dr. Forson noted that COCOBOD will be responsible for designing the modalities and implementing the programme ahead of the academic year in which it will be rolled out.
READ: Ato Forson: Government reintroduces free fertiliser, inputs for cocoa farmers
The new scholarship announcement follows a series of major interventions in the cocoa sector under President Mahama’s leadership.
Earlier, Ato Forson announced the reintroduction of free cocoa fertiliser and input distribution to support cocoa farmers. The government also announced a 62.58% increase in the producer price of cocoa for the 2025/2026 season; raising the price from US$3,100 to US$5,040 per tonne, the highest in Ghana’s history.
READ: Government increases cocoa producer price to $5,040 per tonne for 2025/2026 season
The scholarship scheme further cements the administration’s commitment to improving the livelihoods and long-term prospects of cocoa farming families.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
