By Daniel Bampoe
A growing chorus of concern is emerging from the Ahafo Region as traditional authorities have openly called on the government to honour its pre-election promises to cocoa farmers, while urging the Minority in Parliament to intensify its advocacy on behalf of struggling producers.
The call came during a series of engagements between the Minority Caucus, led by the Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, and chiefs across key cocoa-growing communities in the region.
The delegation paid courtesy calls on Nana Osei Kofi Abirie of Ahafo Kenyasi No. 1 in Asutifi North, Osuodogya Barima Appiahgya Boafo of Hweidiem in Asutifi South, and Osahene Kwaku Atekyi II of Kukuom in Asunafo South.
Speaking on behalf of their communities, the chiefs painted a grim picture of hardship among cocoa farmers, describing the recent reduction in the producer price—from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag—as devastating.
They stressed that the situation has been worsened by delayed payments to farmers and purchasing clerks, many of whom have taken loans to finance cocoa purchases but are yet to be reimbursed.
The chiefs reminded the government of its widely publicised campaign promise to increase cocoa prices to GH¢6,500 per bag while in opposition—a pledge that resonated strongly with farmers ahead of the 2024 elections.
According to them, the current reality not only falls short of that commitment but represents a sharp reversal that has eroded trust.
They further referenced assurances given by President John Dramani Mahama during campaign engagements, including at Goaso in the Ahafo Region, where he pledged to prioritise the welfare of cocoa farmers and ensure fair pricing reflective of global market conditions.
The chiefs noted that these assurances created high expectations among farmers, many of whom expanded production or took financial risks in anticipation of improved returns.
However, the NDC government has defended its decision, citing severe financial challenges within the cocoa sector.
Officials have pointed to mounting debt at the Ghana Cocoa Board, declining yields, smuggling, and rising input costs as key factors necessitating what President Mahama himself has described as a “painful but necessary” price adjustment to stabilise the industry.
Government spokespersons have also argued that the challenges in the cocoa sector are structural and longstanding, spanning multiple administrations. They insist that ongoing reforms aimed at improving efficiency, reducing waste, and supporting farmers with inputs will, in the long term, restore sustainability to the sector.
Despite these explanations, the chiefs remain unconvinced, insisting that farmers should not bear the brunt of systemic inefficiencies.
They described the situation as a betrayal of trust, warning that continued hardship could push farmers away from cocoa production, with some already considering alternative livelihoods.
The Minority Caucus, on its part, has seized on the growing discontent, describing the price cut as unfair and avoidable.
Leading the crusade, the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh reiterated that the government must explore alternative interventions, including financial support or subsidies, rather than shifting the burden onto farmers.
He also raised concerns about delayed payments to purchasing clerks, warning that the breakdown in the cocoa value chain could have far-reaching consequences.
He further criticised what he termed misplaced priorities, arguing that resources being channelled into other expenditures could be redirected to support cocoa farmers and stabilise the sector.
The chiefs, while maintaining their non-partisan stance, urged the Minority to continue speaking strongly on behalf of farmers in Parliament and to hold the government accountable to its promises.
They emphasised that cocoa remains the backbone of many rural economies and that any policy affecting the sector must prioritise the welfare of farmers.
