Ghana Cocoa board set to offer industry roles for Bunso College graduates

Ghana’s Cocoa Board has moved to provide employment opportunities for graduates of the Bunso Cocoa College, which is marking its 75th anniversary, writes Sam Poku.

The group of students enjoyed a graduation ceremony having completed courses at the key educational facility, which serves as principle training centre for the country’s main industry organisation. 

Furthermore, the board chairman of Ghana Cocoa Board, Honourable Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, and Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr. Randy Abbey, have mandated its teams to employ selected graduates.

Bunso Cocoa College (BCC) serves as Ghana Cocoa Board’s principal training center, established in 1950, delivering specialised agricultural education with an emphasis on cocoa and coffee.

It offers short courses for industry personnel, diploma, and degree programs now affiliated with the University of Cape Coast, with the objective of cultivating experts for the Global essential cocoa and Agricultural sectors.

Situated in Bunso, just off the Accra-Kumasi road, it trains field assistants and senior staff, conferring diplomas and aspiring toward university-level education.

Dignitaries present at the celebration included the Board Chairman of Cocobod, Honourable Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Chief Executive of Cocobod Dr. Randy Abbey, Dr. Francis Baah, among others.

The Chief Executive of Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr. Randy Abbey, expressed enthusiasm following a poem recited by a graduate, urging the college authorities to incorporate such splendid performances into their programming.
Honourable Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, the Board Chairman of Ghana Cocoa Board, also disclosed that the top male and female graduates would be granted automatic employment at Ghana Cocoa Board.

In her address at the event, the Rector of the institution, Dr. Mercy Asamoah, announced that: “The College has successfully attained a 5-year Institutional Re-Accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2030.

“This accomplishment signifies a robust endorsement by the Commission of the College’s academic standards, governance structures, and institutional trajectory. Nevertheless, this achievement is both a moment of celebration and a call to responsibility.”

As part of GTEC’s expectations, the College is required, by the next re-assessment period, to demonstrate significant infrastructural advancement, encompassing the development of modern student accommodations, lecture halls, contemporary laboratories, an auditorium, office complexes, and other vital academic facilities.

“Guided by the visionary leadership of the Chief Executive, we are wholly dedicated to meeting and surpassing these expectations as we position the College for excellence in tertiary education and long-term sustainability.”

Dr. Mercy Asamoah implored the Chancellor & Chief Executive of COCOBOD
For the following on behalf of the college;
– Provision of employment opportunities to the top graduating students (Valedictorians), along with the subsequent best male and female graduates, to reward excellence and retain exceptional talent.
– Structured placements of students in COCOBOD’s subsidiaries and divisions for National Service, internships, and practical attachments.
– Provision of a dedicated College bus to facilitate field practical training and industry exposure.
– A comprehensive enhancement of the College campus to reflect its 75 years of service and future aspirations as a premier tertiary institution.
– Provision of modern laboratory and ICT facilities to augment teaching, learning, and research.
– Support for staff development and motivation, encompassing training and opportunities for academic advancement.
– Seed funding for applied research and innovation in cocoa and tree crops.
Esteemed colleagues, these initiatives will significantly fortify the College’s journey toward becoming a center of excellence and the future Ghana Cocoa University.