In their own voices

Three years ago, the MASO Programme hit the ground running across five regions of Ghana. We sensitized young using whatever means that was available in cocoa growing communities; from Community Information Centers, radio discussions, community dubars etc.

Following the intensive public engagements, we selected our first cohort of young men and women to train them to become cocoa entrepreneurs, either as cocoa farmers or service providers.

Three years down the line, we have trained over 8300 young people across the Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Central, Volta and Western Regions.

Recently, we visited some of the youth in the Sefwi Wiawso and Asawinso area to listen to their MASO stories. They share stories of economic empowerment through acquiring knowledge.

Blessing Takyi, 22 years old from Adjeikrom

As a young unemployed woman who didn’t have enough resources to satisfy my needs, I decided to join MASO to challenge myself and penetrate into the cocoa growing business. Although it wasn’t easy from the start, I was determined to making something better out of it. Now, I can confidently say I’m happy for joining MASO  because I have been educated on best farm practices and management skills in cocoa farming. My financial status has improved as well as a result of the food crops planted on my cocoa farm.

My advice to young people especially woman is that “cocoa production is good and you can save enough for the future to fend for your family”.

Esther Owusu, 26 years old, Adjeikrom

I was an amateur in the cocoa growing business and now I can bravely say I have taken cocoa growing into a different level in my community. I have totally devoted myself to this trade because farming has now become my passion and I wouldn’t have been exposed to it without the MASO intervention.

Cocoa farming has changed the status of my family in terms of finances and standard of living. MASO has taught me a lot from best farm practices to the growing of shade trees on the farm to protect my cocoa.

Cocoa has a lot of benefits and I encourage young people out there to get involved in the cocoa business.

Kofi Adams,  Kramokrom 

I registered with MASO  without knowing what the project was about. We were told that the Maso team will come and train us on farming. The day finally came and I made myself available for the training.

We were trained on how to plant cocoa and grow other farm produce, we were told farming is a lucrative business, therefore we should consider venturing into it.

“Engaging in farming will bring satisfaction to you as young people” this statement by the facilitator motivated me.  I have advanced in crop production and know much about farm management.

Last season I was able to harvest three bags of maize. I also made profits of GHC600 and GHC200 from plantain and cassava respectively. I saved some money from my farming activities to purchase spraying machine which gives some additional income by renting it out.

Thanks to MASO for being an eye-opener to me in the field of farming.

Derrick Amanfo, 26years old,  Sefwi Kofikrom 

I joined my father to work on his cocoa farm after graduating from Senior High School, though I earned some money, i didn’t know how to manage the money wisely. My story has changed since I joined the MASO programme. I attended their training’s and never regretted. They educated us on the opportunities available in agriculture, trained us on life skills and financial literacy. The training was so intense that now I can proudly say I manage my finances profitably as compared before. I started planting other farm produce which has helped me save enough money for my future.

I have been able to purchase “abobo yaa” (tricycle truck) with some of the money I saved. I am now self-reliant

Farming indeed is tough, but if you persevere you can make so much more from it.