EMPOWERING GHANA’S UNSUNG HEROINES: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2024 BAWCOF FESTIVAL

Vice Versa Media Ghana had the esteemed opportunity to partner in this year’s BAWCOF Festival, a prestigious celebration dedicated to recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of female cocoa farmers. This event brought together hundreds of inspiring women representing the Brong Ahafo Women Cooperative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Central Union Limited (BAWCOF). Held in the vibrant town of Goaso, a community celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and strong sense of unity, the festival created an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie. The BAWCOF Festival served as an exceptional platform that highlighted the remarkable resilience, strength, and achievements of women cocoa farmers from Ghana’s Bono Region and surrounding areas. Attendees participated in various activities that showcased traditional music, dance, and art, effectively blending cultural expression with agricultural pride.

Women at the BAWCOF Festival

Throughout the festival, the contributions of these industrious women to the cocoa industry were emphasized, illustrating their crucial roles not only in the agricultural sector but also in driving economic empowerment within their communities. Many of these farmers have adopted innovative and sustainable farming practices, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and the long-term viability of cocoa production. This event was not merely a celebration; it was a powerful statement about the importance of empowering women in agriculture and recognizing their pivotal influence in promoting sustainable development within their communities. By honoring their hard work and dedication, the BAWCOF Festival underscored the essential role these women play in nurturing both the land and their families, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

Traditional rulers at the BAWCOF Festival

With a series of activities ranging from informative workshops to cultural performances, the festival provided attendees with insights into the challenges faced by cocoa farmers, alongside highlighting best practices and innovative solutions. This gathering not only celebrated the achievements of the women but also fostered a sense of unity and pride within the farming community.

The event was a lively celebration filled with music, cultural performances, and exhibitions that displayed the rich heritage and innovative practices of these women. Gathered from a variety of communities, these women highlighted their critical role in sustaining Ghana’s cocoa industry, a sector that is not only vital to the national economy but also integral to the livelihoods of many families.

Traditional drum playing at the Festival

A Showcase of Innovation and Enterprise

The festival grounds brimmed with color and creativity as women farmers proudly displayed various products crafted from cocoa and its by-products. Stalls were lined with soaps, health products, and unique foods, including innovative cocoa-infused Garri blends. Excitement filled the air as attendees sampled products and learned about the transformational potential of women-driven enterprises in the cocoa sector.

One exhibitor, Martha Amoah, introduced her latest creation, “Trida Charcoal,” a detoxifying product made from cocoa and other trees, designed to remove harmful substances possibly inhaled from farming chemicals. “This product uses the excess wood of cocoa and other trees to help us stay healthier while we work on our farms,” she shared, underscoring her determination to innovate for the health and well-being of her community.

Dignitaries making their way to the event

Celebrating BAWCOF’s Impact on Women in Cocoa

Since its inception, BAWCOF has empowered women cocoa farmers, providing financial support, infrastructure, and skill-building programs to bridge the gender gap in the cocoa industry. Under President Martha Addai’s leadership, BAWCOF has expanded from traditional farming support to offering training in skills like soap-making and snail farming. These efforts have allowed women in the Bono Region to gain independence and stability, contributing to an industry where they are increasingly recognized as leaders and pioneers.

“BAWCOF is more than an event; it’s a symbol of strength, unity, and progress,” Addai remarked. BAWCOF enables women to pursue greater economic security and resilience through hands-on training and microcredit facilities.

Queen Mother gracing the occasion

 Overcoming Challenges, Celebrating Achievements

While progress has been made, women cocoa farmers still face significant challenges. Limited access to financial resources and adverse farming conditions, like rising temperatures and irregular rainfall, threaten crop yields. Elisabeth Servor, a 15-year member of the Adom Cooperative, shared, “Farming is our livelihood, but these conditions make it harder to sustain our crops.” BAWCOF’s solutions—securing direct buyers to reduce reliance on middlemen and achieve fairer prices—have been pivotal in helping women like Elisabeth support their families and reinvest in their communities.

Abena Ewusiwaa a Journalist at Vice at the left with the President of BAWCOF at the right

Measuring Impact and Looking to the Future

BAWCOF’s initiatives have made measurable impacts in the communities it serves. At the festival, Hon. Joseph Boahen Aidoo of COCOBOD acknowledged the indispensable contributions of women cocoa farmers. “The BAWCOF celebration is a testament to our commitment to recognizing women’s contributions to Ghana’s economy,” he stated

COCOBOD has been instrumental in supporting BAWCOF by providing disease-resistant seedlings and building transportation and storage facilities to support cocoa farmers. Reverend Edwin Afari, Executive Director of COCOBOD’s Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED), shared his vision for the cooperative’s future: “In the next twenty-five years, I hope to see a strong women’s cooperative that is self-sufficient and reaching new heights.” COCOBOD also announced plans for a pension scheme tailored to women cocoa farmers, promising greater security for their later years.

Members of BAWCOF making merry

Vice Versa Media Ghana’s Commitment to Supporting Women Cocoa Farmers

Vice Versa Media Ghana has long been a steadfast advocate for Ghanaian women in agriculture, spotlighting their contributions and raising awareness of their challenges and triumphs. Naana Yaa Boatema Aseidu Asante, Vice Versa Media Ghana’s Country Coordinator, emphasized the company’s dedication: “We’re committed to ensuring that women farmers can tell their stories and celebrate their achievements. Our mission is to elevate their voices and recognize their essential role in the cocoa industry.” Vice Versa Media Ghana has also announced plans to launch a National Women in Cocoa Award to honor Ghanaian women cocoa farmers, further demonstrating its commitment to uplifting these unsung heroines.

Country Manager of Vice Versa Media Ghana Naana Yaa Boatema Aseidu Asante at the left

Beyond economic achievements, the festival highlighted the critical importance of health and wellness, encouraging women farmers to prioritize self-care. Activities such as health walks, breast screenings, and the distribution of essential medicines reinforced that health is foundational to sustaining livelihoods. Frank Akyei Mensah, a pharmacist at the event, underscored this point: “Women must start paying attention to their health to catch diseases early and prevent late-stage diagnoses.” This proactive health approach empowers women to protect their well-being while continuing to support their families and communities.

Members of BAWCOF

A Call to Action: Supporting BAWCOF’s Vision for the Future

Overall, the BAWCOF Festival stood out as a powerful tribute to the invaluable contributions of women in cocoa farming, while also envisioning a future where, with the right support and resources, these women can continue to achieve remarkable milestones and lead the way in transforming Ghana’s cocoa legacy into a sustainable, equitable industry for generations to come. BAWCOF’s journey illustrates the profound impact that unity, innovation, and resilience can have in Ghana’s cocoa sector. As these women farmers continue to push boundaries and defy expectations, they rely on the support of organizations, government bodies, and individuals to continue their work and build a sustainable, equitable cocoa industry.

The 2024 BAWCOF Festival was a testament to what women can accomplish when they receive the support they deserve. It serves as an invitation to everyone—whether a local business, international organization, or individual supporter—to contribute to initiatives like BAWCOF that honor and uplift the unsung heroines of Ghana’s cocoa industry. Together, we can help shape a future where these remarkable women thrive and pave the way for a stronger, more inclusive economy.