The government has officially unveiled a new tertiary education scholarship programme aimed at supporting the children of cocoa farmers. The initiative is designed to enhance access to higher education for students from cocoa-growing communities, in recognition of the crucial role cocoa plays in Ghana’s economy and the need to uplift the families behind the industry.
Announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson on Monday, August 4, the scheme is a joint effort between the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Ministry of Education. It will provide comprehensive financial support—including tuition, accommodation, and stipends—for eligible students pursuing tertiary education across accredited institutions in Ghana.
“President John Mahama has introduced a Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers,” Dr. Forson stated. “COCOBOD will develop the modalities for implementation in the 2025/2026 cocoa season, with full rollout expected in the 2026/2027 academic year.”
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To qualify, applicants must demonstrate that their parents or guardians are actively engaged in cocoa farming, meet academic requirements set by COCOBOD, and secure admission to a recognised tertiary institution.
The scholarship responds to long-standing calls from cocoa farmer associations and civil society groups for greater investment in education in cocoa-dependent areas. Despite cocoa contributing over $2.5 billion annually to Ghana’s economy, many cocoa-growing communities continue to face poverty and limited access to quality education beyond the basic level.
The programme seeks to narrow the educational gap between rural and urban areas. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) shows that although tertiary enrolment nationwide has improved over the years, students from rural, agricultural backgrounds remain disproportionately disadvantaged due to financial and systemic barriers.
Beyond covering costs, the scheme is expected to inspire more youth from cocoa-growing areas to pursue higher education, thereby cultivating a skilled generation capable of driving innovation and value addition within the agricultural sector.
This new initiative builds on COCOBOD’s existing secondary school scholarship programme, which has supported thousands of students over the years. By extending this support to the tertiary level, the government aims to create a continuous educational support system for cocoa farmers' children—helping them realise their full potential and break the cycle of generational poverty.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem