ABOUT US
A farmer-based organization strengthening cocoa livelihoods and transforming communities through education, technology, youth empowerment and sustainable development.
ROOTED IN COCOA SINCE 2015
Bia West Mondelez International Cocoa Life Cooperative Cocoa Farmers and Marketing Union Limited, commonly known as Bia West MICL, was founded on 15 March 2015 when 29 primary cooperative societies came together to form a strong, representative and development-focused farmer organization.
The Union was legally registered on 14 December 2015 under registration number WR/SD/AC/452. Five additional societies, Debiso, Adiepena, Kroboman, Canaan and New Agogo, later increased the network to 34 societies.
Membership has grown from 1,051 founding farmers to 10,860 members, comprising 6,525 women and 4,335 men. This strong participation by women reflects the Union’s commitment to inclusion and empowerment within the cocoa sector.
Today, Bia West MICL supports sustainable cocoa production and community transformation through education, healthcare, water and sanitation, capacity building, digital technology and youth development.
15 MARCH 2015 • FOUNDED
WR/SD/AC/452 • REGISTERED
Collective action connects everything we do, from stronger cocoa livelihoods to inclusive, sustainable community development across Bia West.
To promote the economic interests and general welfare of cocoa farmers by advancing good agricultural practices, supporting the effective marketing of cocoa and representing members in productive relationships with government, private organizations and development partners.
To build a stronger, inclusive and sustainable farmer organization that expands opportunities for cocoa farmers, empowers women and young people, strengthens cooperative governance and advances community development through strategic partnerships.
Farmers working collectively with shared responsibility.
Improving livelihoods and the general welfare of members.
Responsible cocoa production and lasting community progress.
Creating meaningful opportunities for women and young people.
Building cooperation for broader and more sustainable impact.
Strengthening responsible leadership and cooperative governance.
Bia West MICL’s governance structure gives cocoa farmers a collective voice through their primary societies, elected society executives and Union-level leadership.
10,860 cocoa farmers form the foundation of the Union and its collective development agenda.
Farmers participate through 34 primary cooperative societies operating across the Bia West District.
Each society is managed by at least three executives who coordinate activities and represent members' interests.
Representatives guide Union decisions, coordinate services and connect farmers with institutions and development partners.
President: Adama Issah
Vice-President: Nana Yaw Barimah
Secretary: Ishaque Ismaila
Treasurer: Issaka Mohammed
Organiser: Charles Adjei Frimpong
Executive Members:
Kofi Ahi, Anthony Ackah, Veronica Attaa, Elizabeth Kyerem and Saaed Osman.
Mr Sule Mohammed was appointed the Union's first Manager in 2015. Mr Samuel Kwame Otoo was appointed Union Manager in 2024 to continue the work of his predecessor.
Providing farmer-centred leadership, responsible governance and coordinated management across the Union’s 34 member societies.
Leading the Union’s executive body and representing the collective interests of cocoa farmers and member societies.
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Organizer
Executive Member
Executive Member
Executive Member
Executive Member
Executive Member
Executive Member
Union Manager
Coordinating the Union’s operations, programmes, stakeholder engagement and implementation of executive decisions.
The Union’s development work combines stronger cocoa livelihoods with practical investments in education, health, water, technology and community capacity.
Supporting school construction and refurbishment, learning materials, teacher accommodation, scholarships and transport assistance for learners.
Supporting health centres, CHPS compounds, staff accommodation and refurbishment that improve rural healthcare access.
Facilitating potable solar-powered water systems to improve safe water access and sanitation across member communities.
Training farmers in farm maintenance, pest and disease control, environmental protection, safety and responsible input use.
Strengthening cooperative leadership, governance, financial management and decision-making among executives and members.
Promoting digital literacy, STEAM, robotics, coding, innovation and practical skills for children, young people and community members.
Established on 17 January 2024 with support from Mondelez International / Cocoa Life. The ICT Centre expands practical digital learning, while the community printing press helps support its long-term financial sustainability.
From a modest beginning with 1,051 farmers and 29 societies, Bia West MICL has grown into a strong farmer-based organization representing 10,860 members across 34 societies.
The journey demonstrates what cocoa farmers can achieve through unity, cooperation and shared responsibility. The Union remains committed to building sustainable livelihoods and stronger communities for generations to come.
Unity, cooperation and shared responsibility remain at the heart of the Union’s journey.
Deepening responsible leadership, representation and effective cooperative systems.
Expanding economic opportunities and strengthening the welfare of cocoa farmers.
Growing inclusive opportunities, leadership, skills and participation.
Promoting productive farming alongside environmental responsibility and safety.
Building stronger collaboration with government, private organizations and development partners.