The NPP flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has promised to provide free tertiary education for children of cocoa farmers if elected.
This initiative seeks to replace the SHS cocoa scholarship scheme, which is now unnecessary due to the Free SHS programme.
During the Farmers’ Day celebration in Jocubu, Odotobri constituency, Dr. Bawumia highlighted that this policy aims to assist cocoa farmers by helping their children enroll to higher education without financial obstacles.
Initially, COCOBOD provided scholarships for the children of cocoa farmers to attend Senior High Schools.
However, with the introduction of the free Senior High School (SHS) policy, every child can now attend SHS at no cost.
As a result, the government plans to reallocate the funds that were previously used to cover the fees for cocoa farmers’ children.
“Starting next year, COCOBOD will take over the responsibility of paying the fees for cocoa farmers,” he said.
By Osei Tutu Esther Kumah
