Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has introduced a promising educational initiative aimed at supporting Ghana’s cocoa farming community by providing free tertiary education to their children.
During the annual Farmers’ Day celebration held at Jacobu, he shared this development with local chiefs and the community, outlining how this initiative could impact the lives of cocoa farming families.
In his address, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the vital contribution cocoa farmers make to Ghana’s economy.
He explained that the government’s new plan will relieve the financial pressures these families face and empower them through educational opportunities.
This approach aims to create pathways for upward mobility, ensuring that the children of cocoa farmers can access higher education without the obstacle of tuition costs.
The initiative will cover tuition and other associated expenses for eligible students, effectively removing the financial burden on families who would otherwise struggle to fund tertiary education.
This programme will begin next year, with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) reallocating funds initially used for secondary school scholarships to now support tertiary education costs.
Dr. Bawumia pointed out that with secondary education already covered by the government’s Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, the resources can now be redirected to finance university studies for students from cocoa farming backgrounds.
The announcement reflects a broader vision Dr. Bawumia has for Ghana’s agricultural sector, beyond education.
He noted the government’s ongoing plans to establish District Agricultural Mechanization Centres across farming districts. These centers will provide affordable access to equipment, aiming to modernize farming practices and boost productivity among cocoa farmers.
Through this initiative, farmers will have access to tools and technologies essential for increasing crop yields, reducing the dependency on traditional farming methods, and expanding their production capabilities.
As the current Vice President and a candidate in the upcoming presidential election, Dr. Bawumia’s role in promoting educational and agricultural advancements aligns with his broader agenda.
Born in Tamale, Ghana, Bawumia has an extensive background in economics, with a career spanning positions in both academia and government. After serving as Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, he entered the political arena and has since focused on economic reforms and digital transformation efforts, particularly in his role within the government.
Throughout his campaign, he has emphasized education and technology as pillars of progress for Ghana, arguing that these sectors hold the key to the nation’s development.
His presidential platform seeks to address economic challenges through modernized approaches to agriculture, improved educational access, and digital advancements. He believes these initiatives, such as the new educational support for cocoa farmers, illustrate his commitment to sustainable economic growth that will benefit all Ghanaians, especially those in rural communities.
This educational initiative has sparked positive responses within the agricultural community, particularly among cocoa farmers, who see it as a chance for their children to achieve academic and professional success.
As Dr. Bawumia continues his presidential campaign, this announcement may strengthen his appeal to voters who prioritize education and agricultural development.
The programme promises to build a bridge between two crucial sectors—agriculture and education—creating a foundation for lasting progress that Dr. Bawumia hopes to further if elected.
With a focus on reducing economic disparities and expanding access to quality education, Dr. Bawumia’s plan for free tertiary education for cocoa farmers’ children underscores his dedication to creating a Ghana where every family, regardless of background, can aspire to educational and economic success.
This initiative represents not only an investment in the future of individual students but also a step toward strengthening the nation’s agricultural backbone by ensuring that those who sustain Ghana’s cocoa industry are given the support they need to thrive.
