A heated debate has erupted between Randy Abbey, CEO of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), and Eric Opoku, Minister of Agriculture, over the announcement of a new cocoa pricing decision.
The controversy began when Opoku took to social media to announce that the government would exceed the initial 60% proposal and offer cocoa farmers 70% of the world market price.
However, Randy Abbey quickly debunked Eric Opoku’s claim, describing it as “misinformation” and urging the public to disregard the announcement.
According to Randy Abbey, no such decision has been made by COCOBOD, sparking tensions between the two Mahama appointees.
This development comes on the heels of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) promise to cocoa farmers during the 2024 election campaign.
The party’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato-Forson, had vowed to pay cocoa farmers GHS6000 per bag, significantly higher than the GHS3100 they were receiving under the previous administration.
Cocoa farmers, who had been struggling with low prices and declining production, saw the NDC’s promise as a beacon of hope.
However, with the current controversy surrounding the new pricing decision, it remains to be seen whether the government will fulfill its promise.
Historically, cocoa pricing has been a contentious issue in Ghana.
In 2024, the Akufo-Addo led government announced a 63% hike in the producer price of cocoa, which was met with jubilation from cocoa farmers.
However, the current dispute between Randy Abbey and Opoku threatens to undermine the progress made in the sector.
-BY Daniel Bampoe
