By Daniel Bampoe
Anger, frustration, and political tension defined scenes in parts of the Eastern Region as cocoa farmers in Abirim, Kade, and Ofoase-Ayirebi issued a stern warning to President John Dramani Mahama, threatening spiritual reprisals if the government fails to restore the recently reduced cocoa producer price.
The dramatic declaration came during an engagement with members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament who were touring cocoa-growing communities to assess the impact of the price cut and rally support against the policy.
The controversy follows the government’s announcement of a downward adjustment in cocoa producer prices, a decision authorities say was necessitated by declining global cocoa prices and mounting financial pressures within the sector.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has defended the move, explaining that Ghana’s cocoa pricing structure is heavily influenced by international market trends, syndicated loan obligations, and forward sales agreements.
The NDC Officials insist that the adjustment was unavoidable to protect the long-term sustainability of the cocoa industry and to prevent deeper financial strain on COCOBOD.
However, farmers who gathered in large numbers during the Minority’s visit rejected that justification outright.
Many explained that they had been promised a producer price of GH¢6,500 per bag when the now-ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) was in opposition.
Instead, they argue, the government reduced the price from GH¢3,600 per bag — a rate they attribute to the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
Some farmers said they had already sold cocoa or taken loans based on the GH¢3,600 rate and now face difficulties servicing debts following the downward revision.
In emotional exchanges with the visiting MPs, several farmers declared that if the previous price is not restored, they would “curse” the President for what they described as deception. Though symbolic and born out of anger, the remarks reflected deep-seated frustration among producers who say rising input costs — including fertilizers, pesticides, and labour — have eroded their profit margins.
Others noted that additional payments reportedly promised to cushion farmers have not reached them.
The Minority delegation, led by Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Minority Chief Whip described the price cut as insensitive and economically dangerous.
Accompanied by MPs including Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Samuel Awuku, Ida Adjoa Asiedu, and Gideon Boako, the caucus assured farmers that it would intensify parliamentary pressure on the government to reconsider the decision.
Annoh-Dompreh argued that farmers should not be made to absorb the full shock of global market volatility and called for a bailout or targeted subsidy to cushion cocoa producers.
Purchasing clerks operating in the area also raised concerns during the tour, warning that the reduced price could discourage farmers from selling through official channels.
Some clerks expressed fears that sustained dissatisfaction may fuel smuggling across borders, undermine morale within cocoa-growing communities, and disrupt the supply chain.
They appealed to both COCOBOD and the government to act swiftly to stabilise the situation before it escalates.
President Mahama, in responding to growing criticism, has maintained that his administration remains committed to the welfare of cocoa farmers.
According to government communicators, the current pricing reflects harsh global realities and inherited sectoral debts that require prudent fiscal management.
They argue that artificially maintaining unsustainable prices could collapse COCOBOD’s financing arrangements and jeopardise future payments to farmers.
The President has reportedly assured stakeholders that the government is exploring additional interventions to improve productivity, enhance disease control, and strengthen farmer support systems.
Meanwhile, spontaneous demonstrations by groups of cocoa farmers in parts of the Eastern Region have highlighted the political sensitivity of cocoa pricing.
Placard-bearing farmers have called for the immediate restoration of the previous rate, describing cocoa as their only reliable source of income.
