CARE International in Ghana, in partnership with Cargill, has officially launched the fourth phase of its PROSPER project with inception events held in Sefwi Akontombra, Bibiani, and Sefwi Wiawso. This three-year initiative aims to bolster cocoa community resilience by focusing on gender equality, child protection, and diversified livelihood opportunities, building upon the successes of its previous iterations since 2016.
The launch events convened a diverse group of stakeholders, including district assembly representatives, government agencies like the Ghana Education Service and COCOBOD, traditional leaders, farmer groups, and community members. These gatherings served to formally introduce the project’s objectives, implementation strategies, and community engagement plans for the next phase, ensuring a collaborative start.
Context of the PROSPER Programme
The PROSPER (Programme for Rural Development and Opportunities for Sustainable Cocoa Economies) project has been a cornerstone of CARE Ghana’s efforts in the cocoa sector since its inception in 2016. It has successfully completed three phases, demonstrating a consistent commitment to improving the lives of cocoa-farming communities.
The third phase, running from 2022 to 2025, achieved significant reach, impacting over 364,000 individuals across 265 communities in four regions. This phase delivered measurable progress in key areas such as women’s economic empowerment, food security, market access, and overall community development. Following its conclusion in 157 communities in the Western and Western North regions, the focus shifted to 108 communities in the Ashanti and Central regions.
Expanding Reach and Focus in Phase IV
PROSPER IV marks an expansion, adding 20 new communities in the Western North region, specifically within the Sefwi Akontombra, Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Districts, and the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal area. This brings the total number of targeted cocoa communities to 128.
The overarching goal for this new three-year phase (2025-2028) is to “Enhance cocoa community resilience by promoting gender equality, strengthening child protection, and advancing diversified livelihood opportunities.” The project will concentrate its efforts on five core areas: Financial Inclusion, Livelihood Diversification, Education, Child Protection, and Gender Social Norms. These pillars are designed to drive transformative change within the targeted communities.
PROSPER IV anticipates reaching approximately 16,850 individuals, with a specific focus on ensuring that 60% of beneficiaries are women, aligning with CARE’s global strategy of empowering women and girls to combat poverty.
Collaborative Partnerships and Shared Commitments
The inception events highlighted the critical role of partnerships in the project’s success. Zakaria Yakubu, Head of Programs at CARE International in Ghana, emphasized the importance of the sustained collaboration with Cargill and their joint dedication to supporting cocoa-farming households.
Joshua Quansah, Sustainability Coordinator at Cargill Ghana, reiterated the company’s enduring commitment to community development and safeguarding children in Ghana. Cargill has a long-standing presence in Ghana, having purchased cocoa for over 40 years and operating a processing facility in Tema since 2008.
Government and local authorities expressed their expectations and readiness for collaboration. Patrick Atubga from the Western North Regional Coordinating Council acknowledged the project’s integrated approach to community development and pledged continued support for the implementation of community action plans.
Data and Impact from Previous Phases
CARE International, founded in 1945, is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, with a significant focus on women and girls. In Fiscal Year 2025, CARE directly reached 58.7 million participants globally through 1,467 projects, with 57% being women and girls.
CARE Ghana has been operational since 1994, working to improve livelihoods and achieve social justice by addressing the root causes of poverty. In FY25, CARE Ghana reached 522,639 people through its programs focusing on food security, nutrition, and social and economic empowerment for women and youth.
Implications for Cocoa Communities and the Sector
The expansion and focus of PROSPER IV signal a continued investment in the sustainability and well-being of Ghana’s vital cocoa sector. By integrating gender equality and child protection with economic development strategies, the project aims to build more resilient communities capable of weathering economic and environmental challenges.
For the 128 targeted communities, the emphasis on financial inclusion and livelihood diversification offers pathways beyond cocoa farming, potentially reducing vulnerability and improving overall household income. The focus on education and child protection underscores a long-term vision for developing stronger, healthier future generations.
The ongoing partnership between CARE International and Cargill demonstrates a model for private-sector engagement in development, leveraging corporate resources and expertise to achieve sustainable social impact. As PROSPER IV commences, stakeholders will be closely watching its progress in fostering resilience, empowering women, and ensuring the protection of children within Ghana’s cocoa-growing regions.
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