CODAPEC
Cocoa Diseases and Pests Control Programme — protecting Ghana's cocoa and sustaining farmer livelihoods since the 2001/2002 season.
2001/02
Season established
1.4M ha
Insect control coverage
1.0M ha
Black pod control coverage
60,000+
Trained sprayers
CODAPEC: Protecting Ghana’s Cocoa, Sustaining Farmer Livelihoods
The Cocoa Diseases and Pests Control Programme (CODAPEC) is one of Ghana Cocoa Board’s most impactful national interventions. Established in the 2001/2002 cocoa season, CODAPEC delivers free, professional pest and disease control services to cocoa farmers across the country. Through its mass spraying operations, the programme safeguards Ghana’s cocoa farms from destructive insect pests and fungal diseases, ensuring sustainable production and improved farmer incomes.
For over two decades, CODAPEC has remained a cornerstone of Ghana’s cocoa resilience strategy — protecting farms, empowering rural communities, and strengthening the nation’s global competitiveness in the cocoa industry.
CODAPEC exists to ensure that every cocoa farmer in Ghana has access to timely, effective, and environmentally responsible pest control services. The programme operates nationwide, covering mapped and productive cocoa farms in all cocoa growing regions.
Objectives
What the programme sets out to achieve for Ghana’s cocoa farmers
Protect cocoa farms from major pests such as capsids, corid bugs, and stink bugs.
Control black pod disease through structured fungicide application.
Reduce national yield losses and stabilise cocoa production.
Improve bean quality and enhance farmer incomes.
Promote safe, regulated pesticide use across the cocoa sector.
Support sustainable cocoa production through coordinated field operations.
How CODAPEC Works
CODAPEC deploys trained spraying gangs equipped with motorised mist blowers, free premix fuel, and COCOBOD approved insecticides and fungicides. Operations are carried out in scheduled rounds.
Trained Spraying Gangs
Professional teams deployed to mapped, productive cocoa farms.
Motorised Mist Blowers
Modern equipment for efficient, even coverage across the canopy.
Free Premix Fuel
Fuel supplied at no cost so operations are never delayed.
Approved Chemicals
COCOBOD approved insecticides and fungicides, safely applied.
Scheduled Spraying Rounds
Insect Control
April – May & August – September
Two scheduled rounds targeting capsids, corid bugs and stink bugs during the periods they cause the most damage.
Black Pod Control
June – October · three rounds
Structured fungicide application through the wet season, when black pod spreads fastest.
The programme is managed by a National Coordinator, supported by regional and district teams who supervise field operations, ensure quality control, and engage farmer groups.
Field Operations & Supervision
Spraying gangs work to a national calendar, moving farm to farm within each district. Regional and district teams verify that farms are mapped and productive, monitor application quality, and report progress — while CHED’s extension officers work alongside them to educate farmers on safe handling, farm sanitation, and best agronomic practice.
Impact & Successes
Two decades of protecting farms, empowering communities, and strengthening the national crop
Nationwide Coverage
1.4 million ha
Insect control
1.0 million ha
Black pod control
60,000+
Trained sprayers employed nationwide
Improved Cocoa Yields
CODAPEC has significantly reduced pest related crop losses, contributing to stable national production and improved farm gate incomes.
Free Support for Farmers
All spraying services and inputs are provided at no cost, reducing the financial burden on smallholder farmers.
Nationwide Coverage
The programme reaches mapped and productive cocoa farms across every cocoa growing region of Ghana.
Enhanced Bean Quality
Consistent pest and disease control has improved the quality of Ghana's cocoa beans, strengthening the country's global reputation.
Rural Employment
CODAPEC creates thousands of jobs for sprayers, supervisors, mechanics, and support staff across cocoa growing communities.
Stronger Extension Collaboration
CODAPEC works closely with CHED's extension officers to educate farmers, monitor field conditions, and promote best agronomic practices.
A Testament to COCOBOD’s Commitment
Cocoa is central to Ghana’s economy and rural livelihoods. CODAPEC ensures that farmers are protected, farms remain productive, and Ghana’s cocoa continues to meet global standards.
The programme is a testament to COCOBOD’s commitment to sustainability, farmer welfare, and national development.
Explore CHED’s Operations
See how CODAPEC fits into the wider extension services CHED delivers to cocoa farmers.