EWCOCO Festival 2024: Celebrating the Rise of Women in Ghana’s Cocoa Industry

The inaugural Eastern Women Cocoa Cooperative (EWCOCO) Festival, held on November 20-21, 2024, in Koforidua, Eastern Region, was not just a celebration—it was a declaration of the powerful transformation underway in Ghana’s cocoa sector. For years, the contributions of women cocoa farmers have been overlooked, their roles relegated to the background of the cocoa supply chain. However, through EWCOCO, women in cocoa are now taking center stage, driving change with resilience, innovation, and empowerment. This landmark event drew over 5,000 women cocoa farmers from across the region, highlighting the growing influence of women in the sector and their united push for greater recognition and opportunity.

Women Cocoa Farmers Happily Dancing

The Birth of EWCOCO: A New Era for Women in Cocoa

The launch of EWCOCO marks a pivotal moment for women cocoa farmers in Ghana. Formed by 58 women’s cooperative societies across 11 cocoa-growing districts, the cooperative represents a unified effort to address the challenges women face in the cocoa industry while enhancing their economic opportunities. With members from communities such as Nkawkaw, Osino, New Abirem, and Suhum, EWCOCO is creating a robust network that fosters mutual support, shared resources, and improved market access.

Faustina Aberor, Deputy Regional Manager of COCOBOD and one of the festival’s keynote speakers, emphasized the importance of the cooperative’s mission. “We are empowering women to secure their financial stability and thrive in a sector traditionally dominated by men,” she said, reinforcing the cooperative’s role in leveling the playing field for women in cocoa farming.

Faustina Aberor in white

The festival spotlighted EWCOCO’s tremendous impact on the livelihoods of women cocoa farmers and their critical role in reshaping the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry. This celebration of female leadership in the sector is just the beginning, with the upcoming National Women in Cocoa Festival and Awards set to amplify their voices on a much larger stage.

A Healthier, Stronger Workforce: Health Walk and Wellness

The festival kicked off with an energizing health walk, uniting over 5,000 women farmers from across the region. The walk, which symbolized unity and collective resilience, also focused on promoting wellness, an often-overlooked aspect of farming life. “I feel invigorated and ready to take on my farm tasks,” said Madam Akua Ntiamoah, one of the participants, reflecting the rejuvenating energy of the event.

At the walk’s conclusion, health professionals from Cocoa Clinic offered free screenings for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol. Jerry Owusu Ansah, Director of Health at COCOBOD, underscored the importance of health check-ups for the women who are the backbone of Ghana’s cocoa production: “Ensuring our mothers and wives are in good health is essential to the productivity of the cocoa industry.”

Cooperative women holding a banner matching

Innovation in Cocoa: A Showcase of Women’s Ingenuity

The festival also provided a platform for women to exhibit the innovative products they are creating from cocoa. From rich cocoa powders to artisanal chocolates and fortified cereals, the products highlighted the diverse potential of cocoa beyond its raw form.

Millicent Ama, an exhibitor, shared her vision: “We want to show that women can do more than just farm cocoa; we can innovate, create products that add value, and promote healthy living.” Her range of fortified cereals, designed to address health challenges such as high blood pressure and diabetes, is a testament to the ability of women to turn the fruits of their labor into sustainable, value-added products that benefit their communities.

Food Cooked And Well Garnished By Women

A Culinary Celebration: The Cooking Competition

One of the most exciting highlights of the festival was the cooking competition, which allowed the various cooperatives to showcase Ghana’s rich culinary heritage. The array of traditional dishes—from banku and light soup to the beloved apapransa—provided a feast for both the eyes and taste buds. The Nkawkaw Cooperative emerged victorious, with their chef proudly declaring, “We’ve proven that Kwahu people can cook Akple just as well as the Ewe people!” The event celebrated not just culinary talent but the deep cultural ties that bind the women farmers together.

Fruit presentation at the Festival

Driving Sustainability: The Vision of EWCOCO

Sustainability was a central theme of the EWCOCO Festival. The cooperative has introduced innovative farming practices, such as climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry, to help women increase yields while protecting the environment. Through workshops and hands-on training, members are learning vital skills in pest control, tree pruning, and soil management.

Mercy, a member of the Boadua Cooperative, shared her experience: “Since joining EWCOCO, I’ve learned how to better manage my farm and improve the quality of my cocoa. It’s made a world of difference in my business.”

EWCOCO’s approach is not just about boosting productivity—it’s about ensuring the long-term sustainability of the cocoa sector. By embracing climate-resilient practices, EWCOCO is helping to safeguard the future of Ghana’s cocoa farms and, by extension, the livelihoods of countless women.

Women happily dancing during a health walk

Breaking Barriers: Market Access and Economic Empowerment

One of the most significant hurdles for female cocoa farmers has been access to markets. Historically, many women faced exploitation by middlemen, who offered low prices for their produce. EWCOCO is changing this by providing direct market access to buyers both locally and internationally.

Mary Agyarko, an active member of EWCOCO, shared how the cooperative transformed her business: “Before EWCOCO, I had to travel all the way to Côte d’Ivoire to find buyers. Now, I simply announce at a meeting, and buyers come to us directly.” This streamlined approach eliminates the need for intermediaries and ensures fair pricing, enabling women to earn more and reinvest in their farms.

By hosting trade fairs and business forums, EWCOCO is also helping its members secure long-term partnerships with both local and international buyers, further expanding market opportunities.

Facing Challenges, Looking Ahead

Despite the many successes, the festival also highlighted the ongoing challenges women in cocoa farming face. Low incomes, poor pricing, and the struggle to access essential farming inputs like fertilizers continue to hamper progress for many.

Margaret Asamoah, chairperson of the Tafo District, called for a fairer pricing system: “Cocoa farming is labor-intensive. Better prices will allow us to invest in our farms and support our families,” she said. Many farmers, like Madam Comfort, expressed their frustration at being unable to afford the very product they produce—chocolate. “We grow cocoa, but we can’t afford to enjoy the final product. It’s disheartening,” she lamented.

To address these challenges, EWCOCO is partnering with organizations like FarmGrow to provide targeted support to smallholder farmers, helping them improve productivity and increase their income.

Looking to the Future: The National Women in Cocoa Festival and Awards

The launch of EWCOCO and the success of this year’s festival are just the beginning. Plans are already in motion for the 2025 National Women in Cocoa Festival and Awards, which will bring together women cocoa farmers from across the country to celebrate their achievements, share knowledge, and foster greater collaboration.

The EWCOCO Festival has proven that women are not just participants but powerful agents of change in the cocoa industry. With initiatives like this, the future of Ghana’s cocoa sector is brighter, more inclusive, and more sustainable than ever before.

Women happily dancing at the Jubilee

Conclusion: A Legacy of Empowerment and Progress

The EWCOCO Festival has etched a powerful legacy of empowerment, unity, and progress for women in the cocoa industry. As the cooperative continues to grow, it promises to be a force for transformation in both the cocoa sector and the broader agricultural landscape of Ghana. Through collaboration, innovation, and resilience, the women of EWCOCO are paving the way for future generations to thrive in Ghana’s cocoa empire. This version incorporates the over 5,000 women farmers who attended the event, further emphasizing the scale and impact of the EWCOCO