A group of cocoa farmers in Ghana’s Eastern Region are seeing real promise in a new organic fertiliser that’s helping boost yields by as much as 70 percent.
The product, known locally as Asaasehene and officially called Polysulphate, was the focus of a hands-on training held this week for 32 farmers from across 11 cocoa districts, including Suhum, Tafo, Nkawkaw, and Akim Oda.
The fertilizer has been tested and approved by the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) and is already generating buzz among farmers for how quickly it improves pod growth and soil health.
At the training, William Hunt, Country Manager of Demeter Ghana, the company behind the fertilizer, explained why this matters.
“It’s not just about bigger harvests,” he said. “This is about helping farmers grow more using eco-friendly methods that protect their land and livelihoods for the long term.”
Hunt added that Demeter has been working with farmers across Ghana since last year, offering support services to help address some of the biggest challenges cocoa growers face today.
The project is being carried out in partnership with the Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) of COCOBOD, which sees this as part of a bigger push toward sustainable cocoa farming.
“The difference on the farms is clear,” said Abdul Majeed Mumuni, Acting Deputy Executive Director of CHED.
“This fertilizer releases nutrients gradually, supports flower and pod growth, and helps farmers stay productive without compromising their land.”
The science backs it up. Alfred Arthur, a senior researcher at Bunso Cocoa College, confirmed that CRIG tested the fertilizer thoroughly back in 2019, running trials on farms in Bechem, Konongo, and Assin Nkokoasa.
“We’ve seen no negative effects on the cocoa trees,” he said. “The data shows clear productivity gains.”
For cocoa farmer Solomon Boadi from Akim Oda, the results speak for themselves.
“After using just six bags, I saw a big jump in cocoa pods in a matter of weeks,” he said. “Other farmers started asking me what I was using didn’t hesitate to tell them.”
With a product that delivers on both productivity and sustainability, farmers and experts alike are hopeful that this marks a turning point one where smart farming, innovation, and partnership drive the future of cocoa in Ghana.
By: J.W Quarm
