About

Our History

The Eastern Women Cocoa Farmers Cooperative (EWCOCO) was established to unite, empower and amplify the voices of women cocoa farmers across Ghana’s Eastern Region. Its formation was driven by the need to create a structured platform through which women could develop their farming knowledge, strengthen their economic position, access opportunities and participate more actively in decisions affecting the cocoa industry.

Women make significant contributions throughout the cocoa production process, from farm establishment and maintenance to harvesting and post-harvest activities. Despite this, many have historically had limited access to land, finance, training, markets and leadership opportunities. EWCOCO emerged as a collective response to these challenges, recognising that organised women farmers are better positioned to advocate for their interests, build profitable enterprises and contribute to sustainable community development.

Official Launch in Koforidua

EWCOCO was officially launched during a two-day festival held on 20 and 21 November 2024 at Jubilee Park in Koforidua. The landmark gathering brought together more than 5,000 women cocoa farmers and industry stakeholders to celebrate women’s contribution to Ghana’s cocoa sector and begin a new movement centred on empowerment, leadership and sustainable production.

The launch received recognition from the Ghana Cocoa Board and other cocoa-sector stakeholders. It created a platform for farmers, government representatives, development organisations, traditional leaders and private-sector partners to discuss the opportunities and challenges confronting women in cocoa-producing communities.

More than a ceremonial event, the launch marked the beginning of a coordinated effort to increase women’s visibility and influence within the cocoa value chain. It also demonstrated what women farmers can achieve when provided with an inclusive platform for cooperation, learning and collective action.

Building the Capacity of Women Farmers

Following its launch, EWCOCO strengthened its focus on farmer education and institutional development. Through service-group training, stakeholder engagement and capacity-building activities, members have been encouraged to regard cocoa farming as both a profession and a sustainable business.

These programmes support women in adopting improved and environmentally responsible production practices, strengthening cooperative governance and improving their ability to manage farming activities. EWCOCO also promotes collaboration among members so they can share knowledge, address common challenges and pursue opportunities collectively.

The cooperative’s work has further helped bring greater public attention to the achievements and concerns of women cocoa farmers. Under the leadership of President Madam Ernestina Osei-Tutu, EWCOCO has advocated for fair opportunities, stronger institutional support and greater investment in women-led farmer cooperatives.

Amplifying Women’s Voices

EWCOCO recognises that women farmers must be represented wherever decisions about cocoa are made. The cooperative therefore uses advocacy, public engagement and media partnerships to bring women’s experiences and perspectives into national discussions.

In January 2026, EWCOCO publicly welcomed the establishment of Cocoa Media Hub, describing it as an important platform for amplifying the voices and stories of women in cocoa and agribusiness. This reflected the cooperative’s commitment to ensuring that women farmers are seen not merely as contributors of labour, but as farm owners, entrepreneurs, community leaders and important stakeholders in Ghana’s agricultural development.

EWCOCO has also spoken on key issues affecting the future of the industry, including cocoa pricing, farmer livelihoods and the declining participation of young people in cocoa farming. Its advocacy continues to encourage government, industry and development partners to make cocoa farming more attractive, sustainable and economically rewarding for women and the next generation.

Expansion to Osino

A major milestone in EWCOCO’s growth was the inauguration of the Osino District Women Cocoa Farmers Chapter in Akyem Abakoase in August 2026. The new chapter was established to organise women at the district level, promote sustainable cocoa production and formalise their participation in the national cocoa supply chain.

The inauguration mobilised more than 600 women farmers from groups including Abakoase Nhyira, Boamah and Nkawkaw. It was attended by EWCOCO’s leadership, representatives of the Ghana Cocoa Board, government officials and traditional authorities.

The establishment of the Osino Chapter demonstrated EWCOCO’s commitment to extending its impact beyond the regional level and building strong grassroots cooperatives within cocoa-producing districts. It also created a closer support structure through which women can receive training, build partnerships and work collectively to improve productivity and livelihoods.

Our Continuing Journey

From its historic launch in Koforidua to the expansion of district-level chapters, EWCOCO has grown into an important platform for women’s leadership, professional development and collective action within Ghana’s cocoa industry.

The cooperative continues to build partnerships, provide capacity development, promote sustainable farming and advocate for greater economic opportunities for its members. Its journey is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: when women cocoa farmers are organised, recognised and empowered, they can transform their farms, strengthen their families and secure the future of cocoa-producing communities.

EWCOCO’s history is still being written—by every woman who improves her farm, assumes a leadership role, shares her knowledge and inspires another generation to see cocoa farming as a dignified and prosperous profession.