Kuapa Kokoo

My name is Fatima Ali and I the recorder of Alikrom Kuapa Kokoo Society. My society can be found in the Western Region of Ghana precisely in the Akontonbra District. I have been a member of Kuapa Kokoo for the nine years.

I joined Kuapa Kokoo after completing my senior secondary education. Most of my friends tried to talk me out of my decision to become a farmer because in their view, farming was the preserve of illiterates. I told my father who is also a farmer and a member of Kuapa Kokoo about my decision to join him and he gladly agreed to guide me. He told me about the fact that Kuapa was a cooperative and that members have a say in the way things are done. I must say that I was encouraged to join... The thought of farmers having a say in the way a company is managed actually intrigued me!

Today, I am a proud owner of a 5 -acre farm. Last season, I was able to harvest about twenty bags of cocoa. I was elected a recorder of my society about three years ago. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I could hold such position. I am a woman and also very young but because of the training I have received from Kuapa Kokoo, I just know that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. Next year, I plan to contest for one of the National Executive Council (NEC) positions. I want to make history... I want to be the youngest NEC member!

Thanks to Kuapa Kokoo, my society Alikrom has a borehole and for the past seven years, we have been drinking clean water. Before we got this facility, we had to walk for miles to fetch water from a stream. I remember I once got sick and when i was taken to a hospital; my dad was told I had typhoid fever which is a water borne disease. Since we got this borehole, no one in my family has suffered from that illness.

I have been able to enrol my only child in a private school because I am now financially independent. My cocoa also weighs more in the Kuapa she! I also received bonuses from Kuapa. I have also helped my father to complete our house. We now live in a block house!