Cocoa farmers in the Ashanti Region are mounting pressure on the Minority in Parliament to advocate on their behalf, as frustration grows over the recent reduction in cocoa producer prices. According to the farmers, even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic under former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, cocoa prices were maintained, despite severe global economic challenges.
They argue that if the previous administration could sustain prices while managing economic shocks, paying public sector workers and maintaining essential services, then the current government, led by John Dramani Mahama, should at the very least preserve existing prices rather than impose what they describe as a harsh “haircut” on their incomes.
The concerns were brought to the fore during a visit by the Minority Caucus to cocoa-growing communities in the Atwima Mponua district.
The delegation, led by Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, engaged farmers as part of a broader nationwide outreach.
Farmers expressed outrage over the reduction of the producer price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag representing a drop of about 28.6 percent.
They described the cut as devastating, particularly in the face of rising input costs such as fertilisers, labour, and transportation.
Many farmers also complained about delays in payments for cocoa beans already supplied. Despite assurances from authorities that funds have been released, several farmers and purchasing clerks say they are yet to receive payment, leaving them in severe financial distress. Some reported difficulties in meeting basic needs, including feeding their families, paying school fees, and accessing healthcare.
The situation has also disrupted the operations of cocoa purchasing clerks and licensed buyers, many of whom say they have run out of funds due to delays from the Ghana Cocoa Board.
Some buyers indicated they have suspended purchases altogether, resulting in farmers struggling to sell their produce.
In communities such as Adiembra and Agogoso, farmers warned that declining returns from cocoa farming are pushing many toward illegal mining, commonly known as galamsey.
Some admitted they are considering abandoning cocoa farming entirely if they discover viable gold deposits, citing quicker financial gains from mining.
Reacting to the concerns, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh criticised the price reduction as unfair and insisted that farmers should not bear the full burden of global market pressures. He called on government to explore alternative support measures, including subsidies or financial interventions, to cushion farmers.
Other Minority members, including Isaac Yaw Opoku, warned that the situation could worsen if urgent steps are not taken. He further alleged that there may be plans for additional price reductions and urged farmers to demand accountability.
Farmers across several communities, including Dannso and Asante Akyem Ofoase, echoed similar concerns, accusing the ruling National Democratic Congress of failing to honour campaign promises to significantly increase cocoa prices.
The emotional strain was evident, with some farmers breaking down in tears as they recounted their struggles. Others warned of possible mass protests if the decision is not reversed, while some indicated they may exit cocoa farming altogether.
For more news, join The Chronicle Newspaper channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBSs55E50UqNPvSOm2z
