By Daniel Bampoe
A 65-year-old visually impaired cocoa farmer from Kukuom in the Asunafo South Municipality of the Ahafo Region has become the human face of the growing distress in the cocoa sector, as he appeals directly to President John Dramani Mahama to release payments owed to farmers.
Asante Patrick, popularly known as Kwabena Anane, says he has been left in a desperate situation after supplying bags of cocoa beans in December 2025 but has yet to receive payment.
His plight comes amid widespread complaints from farmers across cocoa-growing regions following the government’s decision to reduce the cocoa producer price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag for the 2025/2026 season—a move authorities say is necessary to stabilise the sector due to financial challenges within the Ghana Cocoa Board.
Despite these explanations, many farmers say the combined effect of reduced prices and delayed payments has pushed them into severe hardship. For Mr. Asante, the situation is particularly dire.
Unable to earn from his produce and with no alternative source of income, he says he now depends on the benevolence of others to survive.
“I have to beg before I can eat,” he lamented, describing the daily struggle he faces. His appeal is simple: that the government honours its commitment to pay at least the GH¢2,500 per bag it has announced, so farmers can meet basic needs such as food, healthcare, and family upkeep.
His story reflects a broader crisis affecting thousands of cocoa farmers nationwide. Many report that despite delivering their cocoa months ago, payments have not been made, forcing some households to cut down on meals and delay essential expenses.
Others have warned that if conditions do not improve, they may abandon cocoa farming altogether.
The issue has also drawn political attention, with the Minority Caucus in Parliament, led by Frank Annoh-Dompreh, calling for urgent intervention and accusing the government of failing to prioritise farmers’ welfare.
While the government maintains that reforms are underway to address structural challenges in the cocoa sector—including debt, smuggling, and declining productivity—the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate for farmers.
