The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has recently announced the termination of its long-standing scholarship program, pointing to the government’s implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) initiative as the reason behind the decision.
The board has chosen to redirect its resources, shifting its focus towards improving primary school infrastructure in underserved areas. In this new direction, the Cocoa Board Education Trust takes center stage, representing a forward-thinking initiative launched by the board.
According to the chairman of the board, Peter Mac Manu, the decision to end the scholarship program was a necessary adaptation to the changing educational landscape under the Akufo-Addo administration.
“With the introduction of free SHS, it’s time for us to recalibrate our efforts. While the COCOBOD Scholarship Scheme has been valuable, its purpose has evolved,” he explained.
Peter Mac Manu underscores that the trust symbolizes the board’s steadfast dedication to the prosperity and welfare of cocoa farmers and their offspring..
“As we bid farewell to the Scholarship Scheme, we must look forward and prioritise the continued educational advancement of the cocoa farming community. It’s with this vision that the board of directors has decided to establish the Ghana Cocoa Board Education Trust.
This trust is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the prosperity and well-being of cocoa farmers and their children. The primary objective of the Education Trust is clearly to focus on providing essential primary school infrastructure in underserved cocoa growing areas.” he said.
Over the years, the COCOBOD Scholarship Scheme has been a lifeline for students from cocoa-farming communities, providing vital financial support. However, the introduction of the Free SHS initiative has marked a notable change in priorities.
