Cargill, ICI celebrate graduation of 60 youth from cocoa-growing communities

As part of its commitment to preventing and addressing child labour, Cargill, in partnership with the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI), hosted a graduation ceremony honouring 60 adolescent apprentices who have successfully completed a year-long vocational and technical training programme.

The ceremony was held at the forecourt of the Bekwai Chief’s Palace.

The apprenticeship specifically supports 15 – 17-year-olds in cocoa-growing communities who are beyond compulsory school age and often face limited access to further education or skills training. Through practical training in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, and glass fabrication, the initiative equips youth with income-generating skills for self-reliance and community resilience.

It is part of Cargill’s long-term Child Labor Monitoring and Remediation System (CLMRS) strategy under the Cargill Cocoa Promise, focused on identifying, preventing, and remediating child labour within the cocoa supply chain.

“Human rights are fundamental at Cargill,” said Max Essoh Latte, Managing Director of Cargill Ghana. “We believe that the best way to safeguard the future of cocoa is to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of farmers and their families. This programme empowers young people with real opportunities to succeed.”

Graduates were presented with official TVET certificates from the Ministry of Education and received tools of trade to launch their careers. The ceremony featured remarks from government officials, community leaders, and parents, underscoring the shared responsibility in building thriving communities.

“This initiative is a great example of how we can reduce child labour and poverty in cocoa-growing communities,” noted Mike Arthur, Country Director of ICI. “By investing in adolescents and providing access to vocational training closer to home, we can equip them with skills that help them be economically independent in the future, allowing them to support their families, diversifying income in cocoa-growing communities, and reducing the prevalence of child labour.”

Samuel Apana, Sustainability Operations Manager at Cargill, highlighted the company’s broader approach to child labour remediation:

“This is just the beginning. These 60 graduates are the first batch of over 200 apprentices currently enrolled, with more youth to be added in the coming months. Our strategy combines short-term support with long-term investment in education, women’s empowerment, and community infrastructure.”

Local leaders, including HRH Oyeadieyie Basaoe Kwadwo Armah III, Omanhene of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area, applauded Cargill’s leadership and called on other private sector actors to follow suit in supporting youth development.

About Cargill

Cargill is committed to providing food, ingredients, agricultural solutions, and industrial products to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.

Our 160,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities can prosper, and consumers can live well. With 159 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.

About the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI)

ICI is a nonprofit foundation that works to ensure a better future for children in cocoa-growing communities by strengthening child protection systems and supporting industry-wide efforts to eliminate child labor. To know more about ICI, visit www.cocoainitiative.org.

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