Changing narrative in cocoa-growing communities: 60 Youth graduate from Cargill, ICI sponsored vocational training

Cargill Ghana, in collaboration with the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI), has organised a graduation ceremony for some 60 youth drawn from some cocoa growing communities at Sefwi Bekwai in the Western North Region, who have successfully undertaken a one-year intensive vocational and technical training programme.

The graduation marks a milestone in a long-term strategy to create more thriving, self-sufficient cocoa-growing communities through technical education and youth empowerment.

It is part of Cargill’s long-term Child Labour Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS) strategy under the Cargill Cocoa Promise, focused on identifying, preventing and remediating child labour within the cocoa supply chain.

The apprenticeship specifically supports 15–17-year-olds in cocoa-growing communities who are beyond compulsory school age and often face limited access to further education or skills training.

They were trained in carpentry, tailoring and glass fabrication, an initiative which equips youth with income-generating skills for self-reliance and community resilience.

Beneficiaries were presented with official TVET certificates from the Ministry of Education, as well as tools of trade to launch their careers. 

Youth empowerment 

Speaking at the ceremony held at the forecourt of the Bekwai chief’s palace on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Managing Director of Cargill, Max Essoh Latte, said, “We believe the best way to safeguard the future of cocoa is to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of farmers and their families.”

Max Essoh Latte (left), the Managing Director of Cargill, presenting some start-up kits to Portia Dapaah, one of the beneficiaries, who pursued Wielding and Fabrication

“Human rights are fundamental at Cargill,” he stressed, adding that the company would continue to invest in the youth for a brighter future.

The ceremony featured remarks from government officials, community leaders and parents, who underscored their shared responsibility in building thriving communities.

When he took his turn, the Country Director of the ICI, Mike Arthur, said, “This initiative is a great example of how we can reduce child labour and poverty in cocoa growing communities.

“By investing in adolescents and providing access to vocational training closer to home, we can equip them with skills that can help them become economically independent in the future, allowing them to support their families, diversifying income in cocoa-growing communities and reducing the prevalence of child labour.”

Highlighting the company's broader approach to child labour remediation, the Sustainability Operations Manager at Cargill, Samuel Apana, said, “This is just the beginning.

These 60 graduates are the first batch of over 200 apprentices currently enrolled, with more youth to be added in the coming months.

“Our strategy combines short-term support with long-term investment in education, women’s  empowerment and community infrastructure.”

Commendation

The Omanhene of the Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, Oyeadieyie Basaoe Kwadwo Armah III, in a speech read on his behalf, lauded Cargill's leadership and called on other private sector actors to follow suit in supporting youth development.

"This is indeed a life-changing opportunity for our people," he stated, urging the beneficiaries to put their rich expertise to the test.

One of the beneficiaries, Portia Dapaa, who trained in welding and fabrication, told the Daily Graphic in an interview, "This is the biggest opportunity I have gotten after I completed junior high school," while commending Cargill and its partners for positively impacting their lives.

Another beneficiary, Madinatu Seidu, said she had always aspired to further her education after completing senior high school, but faced some financial constraints, stating, "This is a great turning point in my life."

About Cargill/ ICI

Cargill is a cocoa sourcing company that is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.

Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, Cargill partners farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Speaking to its business approach, Cargill says, "Our 160,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper and consumers live well".

With 159 years of experience as a family company, Cargill looks ahead while remaining true to its values.

“We put people first. We reach higher.

We do the right thing — today and for generations to come,” it says.

The International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) is a nonprofit foundation that works to ensure a better future for children in cocoa-growing communities by strengthening child protection systems and supporting industrywide efforts to eliminate child labour.