By Kodjo Adams
Accra, March 19, GNA – Three Ghanaian cocoa farmers have won top honours at the 2025 Cacao of Excellence Awards, bringing recognition to the country’s cocoa sector.
Mr Isaac Nyampong of Okorekrom in the Asante Akim South District won the gold award, while Mr Isaac Asirifi Darko of Akim Osiem International in the Abuakwa North Municipality and Mr David Otu Kabu of Kpone Praso in Asante Akim South District secured silver awards.
A fertiliser manufacturing company, Seyi‑Jones, pledged GH¢200,000 to Mr Nyampong, while Mr Darko and Mr Kabu each received GH¢100,000.
Dr Randy Abbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, said at a press briefing in Accra that the Cacao of Excellence Programme was an international initiative of the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT.
He explained that the programme identified, evaluated, recognised and promoted cocoa beans of exceptional quality worldwide.
The 2025 awards ceremony was held in February 2026 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, as part of Amsterdam Cocoa Week organised by Chocoa, a global platform for cocoa and chocolate stakeholders.
Dr Abbey said the competition was keenly contested, with 191 cocoa samples from 45 producing countries subjected to rigorous evaluation.
The best 50 samples were processed into chocolate for final assessment by an international jury.
Dr Abbey said three Ghanaian farmers distinguished themselves among the top 50, demonstrating Ghana’s continued leadership in premium‑quality cocoa production.
“Management of COCOBOD is therefore proud of these farmers who have demonstrated that excellence in cocoa production is achievable through dedication, proper farm management, and adherence to recommended post‑harvest practices,” he said.
Dr Abbey encouraged the awardees to share their knowledge with other farmers to promote high‑quality cocoa production.
“With sustained commitment to quality, I am confident that many more Ghanaian farmers will be recognized on the global stage in future editions of the Cacao of Excellence Awards,” he said.
Mr Nyampong, 65, said he began cocoa farming in 1979 and now cultivated 35 acres.
He said extension services had helped improve his yields and urged the youth to take up cocoa farming as a sustainable livelihood.
The other awardees expressed appreciation for the recognition and pledged to share their knowledge with fellow farmers to enhance the cocoa sector.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey