Gbadago Nicholas Kwabena, also known as Anelka, is a 37-year-old cocoa farmer from Sefwi Bekwai, Ghana. Inspired by his agricultural upbringing, he became a cocoa farmer in 2011, following the realization that farming, especially cocoa, presented a viable opportunity amid the high youth unemployment in Ghana. Despite the challenges of unemployment, Anelka embraced farming, learning both from his parents and through his own research into cocoa farming techniques.

As a cocoa farmer, Anelka enjoys the independence it provides, including the ability to track farm activities and profits. He also values the chance to engage with regulators and buyers, offering input on transparency within the cocoa industry. However, he faces challenges, including lack of transparency, high labor costs, and the temptation for farmers to sell their land for mining due to better financial incentives.

Anelka hopes for greater transparency from buyers and regulators, as this would encourage more youth to take up cocoa farming and reduce unemployment. He also seeks global partnerships to support farmers in Ghana, along with financial support for their cooperative to buy their own produce. He believes that technology, such as the AgUnity application, plays a crucial role in enhancing farmers’ confidence and improving transparency, particularly in record-keeping and preventing cheating during transactions.

Finally, Anelka encourages young farmers around the world to persevere in their work, engage with organizations like AgUnity, and fight for their rights. He praises their commitment to the industry despite the discouragement they may face.