ECOM Ghana commissions new school facilities at Konkoma, charges farmers to safeguard cocoa farms

Management of ECOM Ghana and Sustainable Management Services is distraught over the growing trend of cocoa farmers leasing their plantations and lands for illegal mining operations.

The leading private licensed cocoa buying company (LBC) and agricultural services group observes that a significant number of farmers are selling out their lands for immediate profits.

According to ECOM Ghana, the trend threatens the sustainability of the cocoa industry as the practice continues to destroy livelihoods, farmlands and the future of cocoa-growing communities.

Acting General Manager of Sustainability at ECOM Ghana, Emmanuel Baffoe-Bonnie expressed the concern during the handing over of a three-unit classroom block and other ancillary facilities to the Konkoma D/A Basic School in the Ashanti Region.

He noted that while the company continues to invest in schools, water, and other social infrastructure to improve lives in cocoa-growing communities, some farmers are giving up their farms for short-term gains from illegal mining.

He pleaded with the farmers to resist any enticement to sell their farms for illegal mining activities.

"I appeal to cocoa farmers not to sell their cocoa farms to illegal miners. It is true that illegal mining can bring quick money, but it is not sustainable. We must think beyond today. We must think about our children and our grandchildren. We must also think about the environment, the water bodies in our communities, and look beyond money,” he said.

Mr. Baffoe-Bonnie said the activities are eroding the foundation of rural prosperity, urging farmers to protect their farms, safeguard the environment, and preserve the cocoa heritage for future generations.

"What negative impact are we experiencing from illegal mining in our communities? Farmers should therefore continue to engage in cocoa farming. They should put in the effort to practise good agricultural, environmental and social practices to ensure that cocoa is maintained and becomes sustainable,” he added.

ECOM Ghana and its partners, Ferrero, also handed over a four-seater toilet facility, recycled dual desks, and teaching and learning materials to the school located in the Bosomtwe district.

Headmaster of Konkoma D/A Basic School, Nana Yaw Kwakye-Adeefe, recounted the unpleasant and challenging conditions the school endured prior to the construction of the new classroom block.

He explained that a horde of the students were compelled to have lessons in a makeshift wooden structure, while others contended for the only four permanent classrooms at the school.

According to him, learning under the open structure was a constant struggle as rain often disrupted lessons, and dust from untarred roads close to the school choked students.

“We deeply appreciate ECOM Ghana and its partners for coming to the school’s aid, as the new facilities will go a long way to improve teaching, learning and sanitation in the school,” he said.

The new facilities are intended to create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning, improve access to sanitation and contribute to the general well-being of both pupils and teachers.

"These investments reflect our firm belief that access to clean water and quality education are fundamental to building healthy, resilient and prosperous communities,” Mr. Baffoe-Bonnie said.

The Konkoma project forms part of ECOM Ghana's vision of Creating Rural Prosperity, demonstrating its commitments to rural development and to improving teaching and learning in cocoa-growing communities.

Over the years, the company has provided more than 400 potable water sources to improve access to safe drinking water and constructed over 50 school blocks to support teaching and learning in communities across its operational areas.

Business Head of ECOM Ghana, Richard Suwli, urged the school authorities, teachers, pupils, parents and the community members to take ownership of the facilities.

He charged them to ensure their proper maintenance, responsible utilisation and preservation for the benefit of posterity.

"The true value of any development intervention lies not merely in its construction or provision, but in the positive and lasting impact it creates in people's lives,” he said.

He expressed profound appreciation to Ferrero for its partnership, noting that it had played an instrumental role in actualizing the project.

Meanwhile, Asokwa Municipal Director of Education, Reverend Ebenezer Oteng Marfo, assured stakeholders of the meticulous safeguarding of the facilities, highlighting how they intend to properly maintain them.