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Rev Ntim Fordjour has urged industry players in the cocoa value chain to undertake social investment into positioning wards of cocoa farmers in underserved communities to contribute meaningfully to the industry in the future.
 
He urged Cargill and other industry players to support Gifted and Talented wards of cocoa farmers through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics pathways so as to attain essentials skills in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Process Control, Food Processing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Agricultural Science, and such other skills required in the cocoa industry.
 
This was contained in a message he delivered on behalf of Hon Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister for Education today Friday, July 9, at Adjei Kojo where Cargill launched the construction of 6 basic schools in cocoa-growing communities.
 
Rev Ntim Fordjour, Deputy Minister of Education recounted how as a son of  cocoa farmers, he struggled to access Education. "Growing up in an underserved cocoa farming community called Assin Kruwa, I and my friends who are also children of cocoa farmers were resolved in our dream to someday contribute meaningfully to nation-building and transform the cocoa sector. “
 
“But today, I stand here alone as an Engineer, Policy Analyst, and Deputy Minister of Education, not because I was the most intelligent among my friends in the village, but because I had access to Education. Many of my friends and cousins couldn't afford Education. Today, the narrative has changed by the visionary intervention of Free SHS by President Akufo-Addo."
 
The Deputy Minister of Education indicated that a total of 2007 school infrastructure projects in pre-tertiary schools were commenced since 2017, out of which 60% have been completed with the rest expected to be completed soon. The government has committed further investment into addressing school infrastructure deficits. However, interventions by the private sector will also be in the right direction to compliment the efforts of government.
 
He indicated that the most productive form of corporate social responsibility is Investment into Education and urged other industry players to emulate.
 
The 6 basic schools being constructed by Cargill in conjunction with CARE International are located in Adjei Kojo, Fordjourkrom, Fofiekrom, Fahiakobo, Juabo, and Lineso.
 
Present at the ceremony were the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry Hon Okyere Baafi, MP for Tema West, Hon Carlos Ahenkorah among, and Heads of Diplomatic Missions.