Scores of cocoa farmers across the Bosome Freho, Juaso, Konongo, and Agogo communities in the Ashanti Region have threatened a drastic “naked” demonstration.
The farmers intend to march from Kumasi to Accra to voice their outrage over recent cocoa price reductions implemented by the Mahama administration.
During a visit from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority Parliamentary Group on Monday morning, the atmosphere was heavy with disappointment.
Farmers met the delegation with somber songs of lamentation, claiming their livelihoods had been crippled by what they described as an “outrageous” price adjustment by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
Fact-Finding Mission:
The Minority Caucus has embarked on a five-day tour of cocoa-growing hubs in the Ashanti Region.
The mission aims to:
Assess the immediate challenges and economic hardships facing farmers.
Gather direct feedback regarding the recent price fluctuations.
Observe firsthand the conditions on the ground to better inform parliamentary advocacy.
Details:
Addressing farmers at Minti, a prominent cocoa community in Bosome Freho, Minority Chief Whip Hon. Frank Annoh-Dompreh emphasized the importance of the tour.
“As Members of Parliament, we cannot remain in our comfort zones while our farmers suffer. We are here to walk your farms and understand your struggles firsthand,” he stated.
Shortchanging Farmers:
Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, MP for Ejisu South and Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee, bitingly criticized the current administration’s fiscal choices.
He alleged that the NDC government has systematically “shortchanged” Ghanaian farmers.
According to Dr. Opoku, the administration reduced the price per bag from GH₵ 3,200 to GH₵ 2,650, a move he claims is unjustifiable given the previous administration’s ability to maintain higher rates.
“It is clear that the NDC has chosen to disregard the plight of those who maintain our nation’s most vital cash crop. There is no economic logic for this reduction when the government is in a position to match the 2025 rates,” Dr. Opoku posited.
Voices from the Field:
The human cost of the price drop was echoed by local farmers:
Joe Mintah (56):
Reported that he is now facing a debt crisis.
Having taken out loans based on the expected GH₵ 3,200 rate, the sudden reduction has caused him “sleepless nights” as he struggles to balance his accounts.
Adwoa Apentemaa (43):
Shared a more personal toll, noting that the reduction has hampered her ability to provide for her family.
She expressed deep frustration, having expected a significant increase to GH₵ 6,000 per bag based on prior political promises.
Parliamentary Entourage:
The first day of the tour saw a high-profile delegation, including:
Hon. Patricia Appiagyei (MP, Asokwa & Deputy Minority Leader)
Dr. Ayew Afriye (MP, Effiduase Asokore)
Hon. Nana Asafu-Adjei Ayeh (MP, Bosome Freho)
Hon. Asante Boateng (MP, Asante Akyem South)
Hon. Damata Ama Appianimma (MP, Afigya Kwabre South)
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi
