Three Ghanaian cocoa farmers have brought international acclaim to the country by winning top prizes at the 2025 Cacao of Excellence Awards, highlighting Ghana’s reputation for producing premium-quality cocoa.
Mr Isaac Nyampong captured the gold award, while Mr Isaac Asirifi Darko and Mr David Otu Kabu received silver awards. In recognition of their achievement, fertiliser company Seyi-Jones awarded GH¢200,000 to Mr Nyampong, and GH¢100,000 each to the silver awardees.
Dr Randy Abbey explained that the awards, part of the Cacao of Excellence Programme, identify and celebrate cocoa beans of exceptional quality globally. The 2025 edition featured 191 samples from 45 countries, with the top 50 evaluated by an international jury after being processed into chocolate.
“The outstanding performance of these three farmers reaffirms Ghana’s leadership in premium cocoa production,” Dr Abbey said, encouraging them to share best practices with fellow farmers to strengthen the sector.
Mr Nyampong, 65, who has farmed cocoa since 1979 across 35 acres, credited extension services for improving yields and urged young Ghanaians to embrace cocoa farming as a viable livelihood. The other awardees also expressed gratitude and committed to mentoring other farmers to raise the standard of Ghanaian cocoa on the world stage.
The recognition underscores Ghana’s continued prominence in the global cocoa industry and the potential of dedicated farmers to elevate the country’s agricultural reputation internationally.
