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Asetenapa Cocoa — Nature, Fairness & Wealth
Asetenapa members meeting in the Eastern Region of Ghana

About

A cooperative built by farmers, for farmers.

Asetenapa is a farmer-owned cocoa cooperative in Ghana's Eastern Region dedicated to improving cocoa farmers' livelihoods through sustainable production and collective marketing. The Union promotes quality cocoa, good cooperative governance, gender inclusion and access to better market opportunities for its members.

Our story

Farmers organising for a stronger position.

Asetenapa Co-operative Cocoa Farming and Marketing Union Limited is a farmer-led cooperative based in the Suhum / Ayensuano area of Ghana's Eastern Region. Members are organised through 15 primary societies, which together form the union.

Asetenapa is a well-established cooperative of 1,371 smallholder farmers, mainly producing Fairtrade-certified cocoa. Alongside cocoa, the union has moved into cassava processing, women-led enterprise and youth livelihood initiatives.

The aim is simple and long-term: better production on existing land, fairer terms in the market, and more of the value staying inside farming households and communities.

Our Timeline

Confirmed milestones in Asetenapa's journey from farmer organisation to diversified enterprise.

  1. 2018

    Union founded

    Asetenapa was founded and registered as a farmer-owned cooperative in Ghana's Eastern Region.

  2. 2023

    Cassava diversification

    Began exploring cassava diversification under the Acting Now programme (documented by Agriterra).

  3. 2024

    Gari business plan

    Developed a gari business plan for a farmer-owned processing enterprise.

  4. March 2025

    Livelihood initiative

    FAO reports on a mushroom livelihood initiative involving young people and women.

  5. 20 August 2025

    Factory commissioned

    Commissioned the gari factory and training centre.

  6. 27 August 2025

    Sixth annual meeting

    Sixth annual general meeting held in Nankese, focused on farm management, sustainability and expansion.

Mission vs Vision

Our Vision

To be a leading model of sustainable cocoa production, empowering farmers, safeguarding the environment, and creating lasting value throughout the cocoa value chain.

Our

Mission

We deliver services that enhance productivity, promote social equity, and ensure environmental sustainability while maintaining profitable relationships with stakeholders.

Our cooperative

Our Values

Our Cooperative

  • Farmer ownershipThe union belongs to its members. Services and enterprises answer to them.
  • FairnessFair trading relationships, transparent records and honest reporting.
  • StewardshipFarming in a way that protects soil, trees and water for the next generation.
  • EvidenceWe publish what we can evidence, and clearly mark what is still being confirmed.

Governance

Accountable to members, structured for delivery.

Members elect leadership at society level; societies form the union, which is governed by a board and run by a management team.

Meet Our TeamPrimary societies
  1. 01MembersIndividual smallholder farmers
  2. 02Primary societies15 societies aggregating members locally
  3. 03Annual general meetingMembers review performance and set direction
  4. 04Board of directorsElected governance and oversight
  5. 05Management & staffDay-to-day operations and field services

Partnership

Let's grow something meaningful together.

We work with buyers, development partners, technical partners, researchers and community organisations. Tell us what you are looking for and we will respond with the people who can answer.

Partner With AsetenapaProduct enquiries