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Government has emphasized that it will not neglect the cocoa sector in favour of the oil sector. Addressing this year's COPAL Cocoa Day at Agona Swedru in the central Region, President Mahama noted that government is not oblivious of the threat posed by the oil sector. To this end as President he will ensure that the sector continues to play its critical role in the Better Ghana Agenda. President Mahama said government, in partnership with the private sector, had re-introduced cocoa extension, which, he said, was critical to bridge the gap between research findings and the cocoa farmers in the catchment areas. He said government had completed the distribution of 20 million hybrid cocoa seedlings free of charge to hardworking cocoa farmers under the cocoa rehabilitation. The President said the provision of the hybrid seedlings would not only improve the national production level, but would also enhance the incomes of the cocoa farmers in the cocoa producing areas of the country. President Mahama said government had also funded and constructed the state of the art clinic at Debiso in the Western Region to provide first class services to the people around cocoa growing communities. He denounced the destruction of cocoa trees for illegal gold mining and gave the assurance that government would step up security activities to bring culprits to book. Cocoa farmers have also benefited from twenty-six affordable housing units, a number government hopes to increase. The COPAL celebration brings together cocoa farmers, processors and buyers to exhibit their goods and educate the public on the importance and benefits of cocoa consumption among all ages. This year's COPAL Cocoa Day focused on the consumption of cocoa for healthier live and sustainable economy.