Maintenance is also needed when trees die from disease or bush fires. I also make sure that areas where young seedlings are to be planted are first cleared of weeds so that the laborers doing weeding won't cut the new trees by accident. In the early stages of the cultivation, food crops are also grown to provide shade for the younger plants. I am proud of my work because it is the source of my income. Since I started farming, I have been able to build two houses from the proceeds when output was encouraging.
Agriculture is the backbone of the Ghanaian economy.
The government treasures the cocoa industry and therefore provides free services at our district headquarters. The government has built clinics and hospitals in a nearby town for us, the cocoa farmers. I am proud to be part of such contributions. I also feel happy when, as a woman, my caretakers come to me for their instructions and even sometimes for advice. However I become sad to hear from friends that the government pays less than half the world price to us for our product.