EcoCare Ghana, in partnership with Palladium, under the “Technical Rebuild Facility”, have trained Cocoa Mmaa Cooperative Society on cooperative governance and policies. The training aimed to enhance members’ knowledge of the governance framework for cooperative organisations. The training also aimed at supporting them in integrating the policies into the running of the cooperative.
The week-long workshop held in about 6 communities in the Upper Denkyira East Municipal Assembly brought together members of the Cocoa Mmaa Cooperative Society, Policy Experts from EcoCare Ghana and Palladium to review the newly developed organisational policies to address the governance challenges faced by the cooperative. It also provided a platform to critically review the cooperative’s 5-year strategic business plan to reflect their lived experiences, aspirations, and priorities.
Mis. Vassileva Alorvor, Campaigner at EcoCare Ghana, explained that the policies and strategic business plan were structured around three core pillars: improving productivity and yields, enhancing market access and value addition, and strengthening cooperative governance and sustainability.
‘’This training gives us a strong foundation, not just to manage our cooperative better, but to lead with integrity,’’ said Mad. Leticia Yankey, Convenor of Cocoa Mmaa. She added that understanding the policies will increase compliance with donors and facilitate the smooth implementation of projects.
Mr. Eric Owusu Mensah, the Investment Manager for Nature-Based Solutions at Palladium, who facilitated a discussion on “Environmental Safeguards and Sustainability Policy”, noted the importance of farmers properly disposing off their used chemical containers. He explained that leaving the containers on the farm leads to plastic pollution and soil contamination. He also urged them to avoid reusing them for storing food as it can lead to food poisoning and other health complications.
Explaining the “Whistleblower Policy,” he mentioned that the cooperative must encourage whistleblowing from members and also protect those who disclose reportable conduct. Any attempt to deter a disclosure by members or management must be subjected to disciplinary action, he advised.
On Gender and Child Policy, Mad Rose Lambor, a member of the Abudukrom cooperative, said, “We have received training on child labour, as a result, we have made conscious efforts to refrain from the practice. We are also each other’s keepers by making sure none of us allows a child to go to the farm during school hours or even engage in activities beyond their capacity.
Ms Alorvor brought the workshop to a conclusion by reaffirming EcoCare Ghana’s commitment to supporting Community-Based Organisations in their work and enhancing the livelihood of smallholder cocoa farmers. She commended Cocoa Mmaa Cooperative Society for their efforts in mobilising female cocoa farmers and supporting them with both technical and financial assistance to improve and safeguard their livelihood.
