For decades, cocoa production in Ghana has been associated mainly with the southern forest zones, leaving many northern farmers convinced the crop could not survive in their climate. But at Jahanfo-Ya in the Nanumba North District of the Northern Region, one determined farmer is proving otherwise.
Mr. Sylvester Mohammed Anchela, a resilient and visionary farmer, has spent the last thirteen years challenging this long-held perception by cultivating cocoa on northern soil. What began as a risky experiment has today become a flourishing two-acre cocoa farm in the heart of Northern Ghana — a feat many once thought impossible.
The journey, however, has not been easy. From Bimbila, where he resides, through Salnaa-Yili to Jahanfo-Ya, where the farm is located deep within a forest enclave, the road network remains rough and difficult. Access to the farm involves crossing streams and navigating poor roads, especially during the rainy season when transportation becomes dangerous.
Despite these challenges, Mr. Anchela remained committed to his dream. He even built a small mud shelter on the farm where he stayed alone for long periods to nurture the cocoa plants.
Speaking exclusively to Zaa News during a visit to the farm, Mr. Anchela recounted how the idea began in 2012 after he travelled by bicycle from Bimbila to Nkwanta in search of cocoa seedlings.
According to him, his inspiration dates back to the years he worked as a radio and tape mechanic in Sefwi Wiawso in the Western North Region.
“When I travelled to Sefwi Wiawso years ago as a tape mechanic, I saw how cocoa farming was transforming lives. People were making good money from it. After staying there for about eight years, I realised cocoa farming could offer a better future than my mechanic work,” he said.
He explained that he once planned to travel to Libya in search of greener pastures but abandoned the journey midway due to financial difficulties. Upon returning to Bimbila to continue his mechanic business, he began studying the local vegetation and soil conditions and became convinced that cocoa could survive in the area.
“I saw forest lands with clay soil and kept asking myself why nobody was trying cocoa, lemon, or even plantain farming here. I approached the chief for land, and although they agreed to give me some, many people thought I was joking. Some even laughed at me and called me a madman for claiming cocoa could grow in the north,” he narrated.
But the ridicule did not discourage him.
Mr. Anchela revealed that he initially cultivated four acres of cocoa but lost half of the farm to bushfires, leaving him with only two acres. Despite the setback, he continued nurturing the remaining plantation with determination and patience.
Living conditions at the farm were also difficult. He appealed to the government and other stakeholders for support, explaining that the weak mud structure he used as accommodation had partly collapsed, exposing him to harsh weather conditions.
A month after Zaa Multimedia aired his plight, officials from the Ghana Cocoa Board visited the farm to assess the viability of cocoa production in the area.
The visit marked a turning point in Mr. Anchela’s journey.
A high-level delegation led by Dr. Francis Baah together with a team of scientists toured the historic farm at Jahanfo-Yili near Bimbila.
The team described the project as groundbreaking and celebrated Mr. Anchela for pioneering what is now considered the first successful cocoa cultivation initiative in the Nanumba North area.
During the visit, Dr. Baah announced that Mr. Anchela would be honoured with the Best Innovative Farmer Award at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration in Ho.
COCOBOD also pledged support by constructing accommodation at the farm site and donating a motorbike to ease transportation challenges.
The agency further assured him of continuous technical support through the deployment of extension officers to provide Productivity Enhancement Programmes and Good Agronomic Practices aimed at improving yields and sustaining the farm.
The delegation additionally presented cartons of cocoa products and a cash prize in recognition of his dedication and historic contribution to Ghana’s cocoa sector.
Today, Mr. Anchela’s success story is inspiring many young farmers across the Nanung and Zabzugu areas to venture into cocoa cultivation, challenging long-held assumptions about agriculture in Northern Ghana.
Close to Mr. Anchela’s farm is another 20-acre cocoa plantation established about a year ago. Thanks to his pioneering experiment, the belief that cocoa cannot thrive in Northern Ghana is gradually fading.
Source: Sulemana Alhassan Tarimbia/zaaghana.com
