Northern Region sees first thriving cocoa farm at Salnaayili

A thriving cocoa farm in Salnaayili, Nanumba North Municipality, has sparked excitement in Nanung, defying long-held beliefs that cocoa cannot grow in northern Ghana.

Farmer Mohammed Nchala pioneered the cultivation of cocoa in the region, experimenting against the odds. His farm’s success has drawn national attention after a viral video circulated online.

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) subsequently dispatched a team to assess the farm.

Cocoa has traditionally been associated with southern Ghana, where wet, forested conditions favour its growth. However, Nanung — often called the nation’s food basket — possesses fertile soils similar to southern regions, enabling the successful cultivation of cocoa along the Oti River boundaries.

“I started with four acres, but the trees were destroyed by bushfires, and I had to reduce the farm to two-and-a-half acres while caring for my sick father,” Nchala explained. “I don’t have any support, and that has been my biggest challenge.”

The farm, initially planted with seeds brought from the Volta Region in 2012, now thrives alongside plantain crops interplanted with the cocoa. Some cocoa trees are already fruiting and being harvested.

COCOBOD’s Deputy Chief Executive, Dr. Francis Baah, expressed delight at the farm’s progress.

“This is remarkable. No one expected cocoa to do this well in the North. Nanung is truly a blessing,” he said.

Dr. Baah announced that COCOBOD CEO Dr. Randy Abbey has pledged to build a house for Nchala and provide a motorbike to support his work, personally funding the initiative.

“Our initial assessment shows great potential for expansion. We will deploy experts to further evaluate the land for larger-scale cocoa cultivation,” Dr. Baah added.

Dr. Kofi Owusu Domfeh, Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute, noted:
“The trees are healthy, and there are no signs of disease. We will conduct further research to assess soil viability and ensure sustained success.”

The Cocoa Health and Extension Division emphasised the economic benefits for Nanung, highlighting potential job creation and local development.

“We are amazed at what we are seeing. With community support and fertile land, this initiative can significantly boost the local economy,” the Director said.

Nchala has received fertiliser, financial support, and medical attention, and COCOBOD has announced he will receive a special award at the upcoming Farmers’ Day celebration.

Earlier, the COCOBOD team met with Regent Nyelinbolgu Naa Dassana Andani Yakubu at his palace in Bimbilla. The Regent pledged full support for the project, offering land freely for cocoa cultivation.

Nanung’s successful cocoa farm marks a major milestone, potentially transforming the local economy, creating jobs, and opening new opportunities for youth in the region.