According to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, it is depressing to see Ghana exporting unprocessed cocoa beans to the international market in the twenty-first century.

He claims that as the pricing of such resources are mostly set by the importing nations, farmers, participants in the agricultural value chain, and the nation's economy, gain very little from exporting raw materials.

Therefore, he has urged the government and other agricultural industry participants to work toward giving raw agricultural products more value before exporting them to other markets.

The Asantehene said this during the 38th edition of the National Farmers Day in the Ashanti Region celebration on Friday, December 3, 2022.

In a speech read on his behalf of the Akwamuhene of Kumasi Traditional Council, Asafo Boakye Agyemang Bonsu, the Asantehene expressed that it would be in the country’s best interest to support farmers to improve the quality of their products before sending them onto the market.

He, however, praised Ghana’s gallant farmers who have always worked hard to provide enough food for the populace.

A total of 20 farmers received various awards at this year's event with Nana Kwadwo Opoku Bonsu, a farmer at Asante Akyem Agogo emerging as the Region's best farmer.