Cargill, ICI commits to youth empowerment in cocoa-growing communities

…as 60 graduate from apprenticeship programme

By Elizabeth PUNSU, Sefwi Bekwai

Cargill, in collaboration with the International Cocoa (ICI), has held a graduation ceremony to honour 60 adolescent apprentices – reaffirming its commitment to preventing and addressing child labour in cocoa-growing communities.

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

The graduation marks a significant milestone in a broader strategy aimed at building thriving, self-sufficient cocoa-growing communities through technical education and youth empowerment.

The apprenticeship programme specifically targets adolescents aged 15 to 17 in cocoa-growing communities who are beyond compulsory school age and often face limited access to further education or skills training.

To date, approximately 200 adolescents have been enrolled in the year-long vocational and technical training programme, with the first cohort now graduating.

Through practical training in trades such as carpentry, tailoring and glass fabrication, the initiative is equipping young people with income-generating skills to promote self-reliance and enhance community resilience.

Graduates were presented with official TVET certificates from the Ministry of Education and received tools of trade to help launch their careers.

The ceremony featured remarks from government officials, community leaders and parents, underscoring the shared responsibility in building thriving communities.

Managing Director-Cargill Ghana, Max Essoh Latte – speaking at the graduation ceremony held at the forecourt of the Chief’s Palace at Sefwi Bekwai in the Western North Region, stated that human rights are fundamental at Cargill.

He noted that it is therefore prudent to improve the wellbeing of farmers and their families.

“We believe that the best way to safeguard the future of cocoa is to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of farmers and their families. This programme empowers young people with real opportunities to succeed,” Mr. Essoh Latte said.

Sustainability Operations Manager-Cargill, Samuel Apana, speaking with journalists at the event, highlighted the company’s broader approach to child labour remediation.

“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,” Mr. Apana said.

Country Director-ICI, Mike Arthur, for his part noted that this initiative is a great example of how child labour and poverty in cocoa-growing communities can be reduced.

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

Oyeadieyie Basaoe Kwadwo Armah III, Omanhene of the Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, applauded Cargill’s leadership and called on other private sector actors to follow suit in supporting youth development.

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