Tensions are reportedly mounting in parts of the Sekyere East Constituency in the Ashanti Region as cocoa farmers at Bepoah have raised serious concerns over alleged intimidation linked to their participation in political engagements.
According to the affected farmers, individuals they believe to be affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have issued warnings discouraging them from attending meetings organized by the Minority caucus in Parliament. The farmers claim they have been threatened with exclusion from vital government support, particularly the distribution of fertilizers, should they defy the directive.
They further alleged that some party foot soldiers have been moving from house to house within the community, cautioning residents against participating in the Minority’s ongoing engagements with cocoa farmers. The situation, they say, has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, undermining their ability to freely associate and express concerns about issues affecting their livelihoods.
Describing the development as troubling, the farmers emphasized that such actions, if left unchecked, could erode democratic principles at the grassroots level. They stressed that access to government interventions, especially in the cocoa sector, must not be conditioned on political allegiance.
The allegations come at a time when the Minority in Parliament, led by the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, is undertaking a tour across cocoa-growing communities in parts of the Ashanti Region. The tour is aimed at engaging farmers, gathering firsthand information on their challenges, and advocating for improved conditions within the sector.
In response to the claims, Hon. Annoh-Dompreh expressed concern over the reported incidents, condemning any form of intimidation that seeks to suppress the voices of farmers. He reiterated that the Minority’s engagement is purely aimed at amplifying the concerns of cocoa farmers and ensuring that their grievances are brought to the attention of the appropriate authorities.
He further called on relevant state institutions, including security agencies and local authorities, to investigate the allegations and ensure that farmers are protected from any form of coercion or political victimization.
The Minority Chief Whip also underscored the importance of safeguarding democratic freedoms, particularly the right of citizens to assemble and participate in discussions that directly impact their economic well-being.
Meanwhile, the farmers have appealed to government and regulatory bodies to guarantee fairness and transparency in the distribution of agricultural inputs and other forms of support. They insist that such interventions must remain neutral and accessible to all eligible farmers, regardless of political affiliation.
The situation highlights growing concerns within cocoa-producing communities, where farmers continue to grapple not only with economic challenges but also what they describe as increasing political interference in sector-related matters.
