The Ghanaian government under the leadership of President John Dramami mahama has unveiled a trailblazing initiative to bolster the educational prospects of cocoa farmers’ children through the introduction of a novel tertiary scholarship scheme, aptly titled “Education for Cocoa Farmers’ Children”.
This forward-thinking program is designed to furnish eligible students with the financial wherewithal to pursue higher education, thereby illuminating a brighter future for farming families.
Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson underscored the significance of this initiative, noting that it represents a vital step towards supporting farming families who constitute the bedrock of the Ghana’s economy.
He indicated that, by alleviating the financial burden on parents who toil tirelessly in cocoa farms, the program affords their children the opportunity to attain higher education and unlock better prospects.
To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must provide evidence of their parents’ or guardians’ active engagement in cocoa farming, satisfy specific academic requirements stipulated by COCOBOD and the Ministry of Education, and secure admission to a reputable tertiary institution in Ghana.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) will spearhead the development and implementation of this scheme, building upon existing initiatives such as the Cocoa Farmers’ Scholarship Scheme for secondary education.
The scholarship program will comprehensively cover the cost of tertiary studies for eligible applicants, encompassing financial aid for tuition fees, accommodation, and stipends.
This visionary initiative holds immense promise for empowering a new generation of students from cocoa-growing areas to pursue professional careers, potentially yielding a more skilled workforce that could contribute to innovation and value addition within the agricultural sector. Gleefully, by bridging the educational divide between urban and rural areas, this program will not only provide financial support but also inspire more youth in cocoa-growing regions to aspire to higher education.
The scholarship scheme is slated to commence in the 2026-2027 academic year, heralding a new era of educational opportunities for cocoa farmers’ children.
