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The Executive Director of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Mr Samuel Amponsah, has urged staff of the unit to work tirelessly to increase cocoa production since the crop is the mainstay of the national economy.

He stressed that the government’s determination for Ghana to produce one million tonnes of cocoa this year to cushion the economy would be a mirage if the extension officers and cocoa farmers failed to maximise their output.

He, thus, enjoined the staff to desist from being armchair officers and rather move to the field to guide farmers to adopt proper agronomic practices.

Mr Amponsah made the call at an end-of-year reception he organised for staff of the unit, the aged and widows at his hometown, Akyem Manso near Oda in the Eastern Region last Sunday.

Research findings

Mr Amponsah encouraged cocoa farmers to seriously adopt research findings, especially those on regular clearing of weeds, fertiliser application, spraying of cocoa trees against capsid, pruning and removal of mistletoes.

He warned that any staff caught diverting cocoa inputs meant for cocoa farmers would be dealt with drastically.

He stressed that his outfit would provide incentive packages for his staff who would excel in the discharge of their duties.