BAWCOFF 2024: A WOMEN-LED FESTIVAL OF EMPOWERMENT, UNITY, AND INNOVATION

The much-anticipated BAWCOF 2024 festival is set to ignite the town of Goaso, Ahafo Region, on October 31st, bringing together a powerful celebration of Ghana’s women cocoa farmers. This year’s event promises to be a bigger, bolder, and more dynamic experience, showcasing the vital role of women in the cocoa industry through a vibrant mix of cultural performances, hands-on workshops, inspiring exhibitions, and immersive food and music events.

At the heart of the festival is the Brong Ahafo Women Cocoa Farmers (BAWCOF), a pioneering movement uniting over 5,149 women cocoa farmers from 103 societies. These resilient women are the foundation of Ghana’s cocoa sector, driving economic growth and innovation while sustaining their communities. The festival offers an in-depth look into their world—introducing guests to cutting-edge farming techniques, sustainable practices, and opportunities to network with influential entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

An Immersive Cocoa Experience

One of the festival’s highlights will be the live soap-making demonstrations, where attendees can learn how BAWCOF members are turning cocoa byproducts into sustainable, eco-friendly products. This event is not just about showcasing skills but also sharing valuable knowledge that empowers women farmers to diversify their income and innovate within their communities.

Christiana Adobea, a passionate member from BAWCOF’s Berekum district, emphasizes the importance of cocoa in their lives. “Cocoa is more than just a crop—it’s a symbol of our resilience and determination. We’ve come together with the firm belief that ‘Yɛn mmere nie’—this is our time to thrive.”

BAWCOF extends a warm invitation to everyone—farmers and non-farmers alike—to come witness firsthand the transformative impact of the cocoa industry. Festival-goers will discover the versatility of cocoa through an exciting range of products, from familiar treats like chocolate and Milo to innovative creations like Alata Samina soap, crafted from cocoa pod husks—a true testament to BAWCOF’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

BAWCOF Women Happily Together at The Festival

Empowering Women through a Circular Economy

BAWCOF isn’t just growing cocoa—it’s growing communities. By embracing circular economy principles, the cooperative is reducing waste and empowering women to lead sustainable lives. The Additional Livelihood (ADL) programs are a shining example of this, helping women diversify their income with technical training in food processing, cosmetics production, and vegetable farming. These programs reduce reliance on cocoa income and foster entrepreneurial innovation, positioning these women as leaders of change in their communities.

Driving Sustainable Development through Women-Led Innovation

The BAWCOF Cocoa Festival goes beyond celebration—it embodies the power of women-led innovation in agriculture. By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), BAWCOF addresses global challenges like poverty (SDG 1) and gender equality (SDG 5). As Adobea shares, “This festival isn’t just about recognizing what we’ve achieved—it’s about shaping the future of cocoa farming through the leadership, creativity, and resilience of women.”

This year’s festival promises to be an inspiring showcase of women’s contributions to agriculture, driving forward a shared commitment to sustainable development across the cocoa industry.

A Legacy of Empowerment

BAWCOF’s impact extends far beyond farming. Georgina Adu Gyamfi, leader of the Nyame Ne Yeboafo cooperative, attributes the growing interest in BAWCOF to its legacy of empowering women. “Our success stories are living testimonies of what’s possible when women are given the tools to succeed. Many of our members have won awards for their contributions, and these achievements are inspiring more women to join us and build a lasting legacy.”

Adu Gyamfi highlights the power of unity and collaboration among women in agriculture. “By coming together, we’ve been able to tackle challenges even before external support arrives. Our collective efforts have made us stronger.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

BAWCOF’s vision for the future isn’t just about today’s farmers. It’s about inspiring the next generation to see agriculture as a pathway to prosperity and environmental stewardship. As part of this mission, BAWCOF has invited senior high school students to experience the festival and learn about the opportunities in cocoa farming and entrepreneurship. “We want to show students the exciting possibilities in agriculture and encourage them to become the leaders of tomorrow,” says Georgina Adu Gyamfi.

Promoting Health and Wellness

Beyond cocoa, the festival is also about caring for the women who make it all possible. This year, a partnering organization will provide free health screenings to attendees, addressing a critical need among the farmers. “This support means so much to us,” says Adu Gyamfi. “Many of us rely on over-the-counter medicines when we’re unwell, but with professional screenings, we can stay healthier and stronger for the work ahead.”

BAWCOF Women Serving Food At The Previous Festival

A Festival of Hope and Unity

The BAWCOF Cocoa Festival is more than just an event—it’s a movement. Through this vibrant celebration, BAWCOF continues to empower women, strengthen communities, and lead the way in sustainable cocoa farming. As the festival grows, it stands as a testament to the resilience, innovation, and unity of Ghana’s women cocoa farmers.