Elizabeth’s Ghana experience
At the start of February, Elizabeth packed her bags again and went to Ghana.
Said Elizabeth: “When I first discovered Fair Trade, I was struck by the story of Kuapa Kokoo – a co-operative in Ghana which buys cocoa beans from farmers at a fair price. I was intrigued by the similar co-operative structures to those we have in the UK.”
Elizabeth was invited to visit Kuapa Kokoo by the Wales Fair Trade Forum. The tour group included Elizabeth, Mark Richardson of the Wales Fair Trade Forum, Producer Carol Green, Camerman Mark Doleman and Tom Allen from Trading Visions.
Kuapa Kokoo buys cocoa beans from farmers all over the Ashanti region of Ghana. The head office is in Kumasi – the second city. Among others, Elizabeth met Mr Oheming-Thomas, Managing Director.
Said Elizabeth: “I feel well-equipped to relate the farmers’ story to co-operatives and social enterprises in Wales. It’s great to see how co-operatives and fair trade are part of the solution to tackling poverty around the world and we are truly part of a global movement empowering people. I hope the photos and recordings which I helped produce will translate the warmth of the people we met and the pride in their work.
“Both the tea farmers and the cocoa farmers only sell about three per cent through Fair Trade – the rest is sold on the traditional market system. ‘Please buy more Fair Trade!’ is the key message I wish to share.”
For further information on supporting Fair Trade, please contact Elizabeth Hudson on 0779 54 18106.
