A thriving cocoa farm in Salnaayili, Nanumba North Municipality, is making headlines across Ghana after defying long-standing beliefs that cocoa cannot grow in the northern part of the country. The breakthrough has sparked excitement in Nanung, drawing attention from farmers, agricultural experts, and Ghana tourism services.
The farm belongs to Mohammed Nchala, the first farmer to successfully cultivate cocoa in the area. His determination and experimentation have paid off, especially after a viral video showcasing his farm gained nationwide attention.
Following the viral footage, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) dispatched a technical team to inspect and verify the remarkable achievement.
Cocoa Farming Expands Beyond Southern Ghana
Cocoa is typically associated with southern Ghana, where the forested climate and rainfall patterns support its growth. However, Nanung—often described as Ghana’s food basket—has fertile soils comparable to those in the south, especially along the Oti River belt, making successful cocoa cultivation possible.
Nchala shared his journey:
“I started with four acres, but bushfires destroyed some parts, so I reduced it to two and a half acres while taking care of my sick father. I’ve had no support, and that has been my biggest challenge.”
The farm, established in 2012 using seeds sourced from the Volta Region, now flourishes. Some trees are already fruiting and being harvested, with plantain crops interplanted to support soil health and microclimate conditions.
COCOBOD Commends the Breakthrough
During the assessment, Dr. Francis Baah, Deputy Chief Executive of COCOBOD, expressed immense satisfaction:
“This is remarkable. No one expected cocoa to do this well in the North. Nanung is truly a blessing.”
He also revealed that COCOBOD CEO Dr. Randy Abbey will personally fund the construction of a house for Nchala and provide him with a motorbike to support his farm operations.
Dr. Baah confirmed that COCOBOD will deploy experts to evaluate the land’s potential for large-scale cocoa production.
Cocoa Research Institute Confirms Healthy Growth
Dr. Kofi Owusu Domfeh, Acting Executive Director of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), noted that the trees show no signs of disease:
“We will conduct further research to assess soil viability and ensure long-term sustainability.”
The Cocoa Health and Extension Division (CHED) highlighted the farm’s economic advantages for the region, pointing to opportunities for job creation, agribusiness growth, and youth employment.
Traditional Leaders Pledge Support
Before visiting the farm, the COCOBOD team met with Regent Nyelinbolgu Naa Dassana Andani Yakubu at his palace in Bimbilla. The Regent pledged full support for cocoa cultivation in Nanung, offering land freely to promote expansion.
Nchala has also received fertiliser, financial assistance, and medical support. COCOBOD has announced that he will receive a special award at Ghana’s Farmers’ Day for his pioneering achievement.
A New Dawn for Cocoa Farming in Northern Ghana
Nanung’s successful cocoa farm is more than a symbolic victory—it has the potential to transform the local economy, create employment, attract agricultural investors, and showcase northern Ghana as a promising area for cocoa cultivation.
This milestone positions the region as a new frontier for Ghana’s cocoa industry and highlights the resilience and innovation of farmers like Mohammed Nchala.