By P. K. Yankey
Dunkwa-On-Offin (CR), June 20, GNA – The Best Cocoa Farmers Association of the Western South Region has commended Mr Samuel Osei, former Western South Manager of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), for his exceptional leadership during his tenure as regional head.
The commendation was made at a send-off ceremony organised in his honour, together with his former Deputy Regional Manager, Dr Felix Kwame Quainoo, at Dunkwa-On-Offin.
The farmers described Mr Osei as a technically sound cocoa production expert who was deeply committed to farmers’ welfare.
“Farmers’ welfare was always close to his heart, and he spared no effort in ensuring his team of technical staff remained well-prepared to support cocoa farmers in adopting good agronomic practices,” the association stated.
They credited him with driving aggressive extension education through Farmer Field Schools and other platforms, which led to widespread adoption of cocoa pruning, artificial hand pollination, poultry manure application, cocoa rehabilitation and other Productivity Enhancement Programmes introduced by COCOBOD.
According to the farmers, these interventions helped the region emerge as a powerhouse in cocoa production despite challenges such as illegal mining, expansion of rubber cultivation and cocoa smuggling.
They said the region became synonymous with national awards under his stewardship, including the National Best Cocoa Farmer Award, National Most Enterprising Female Cocoa Farmer Award, and National Most Promising Young Cocoa Farmer Award.
Madam Joyce Dapaah, the 2022 National Most Enterprising Female Cocoa Farmer from Asomase in the Aiyinase District; and Mr George Opoku Koduah, the 2023 National Most Promising Young Cocoa Farmer from the Prestea District, praised his dedication and frequent farm visits despite poor road networks.
Nana Kwame Alex of Huni Valley Cocoa District, 2024 National Best Cocoa Farmer, described Mr Osei as “a true friend of cocoa farmers” who sacrificed weekends and holidays for duty.
Mr Osei, who was redesignated and transferred in March 2025 to COCOBOD as Regional Administrator, Deputy Director, for the Western North Region, thanked farmers, staff and stakeholders for their support.
He urged the staff to prioritise farmers’ welfare and extend the same cooperation to the current regional management to sustain the region’s performance.
Heads of departments from other COCOBOD subsidiaries and regional media houses also lauded his hard work, interpersonal skills and commitment to farmer education through the media.
He was gifted with a citation and other gifts from staff and farmers
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Benjamin Mensah
Reporter: P. K. Yankey