The Minority in Parliament has leveled accusations against the government, alleging that cocoa farmers are being shortchanged following the recent increase in the price of a bag of cocoa to GHC1,300.
According to the Minority caucus, cocoa farmers should be receiving a minimum of GHC2,500 per bag for their produce.
Eric Opoku, the Deputy Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee of Parliament, criticized the government for what he referred to as offering cocoa farmers a meager sum. He expressed concerns about the price provided to cocoa farmers, emphasizing that the current season presents an ideal opportunity for them to reap the rewards of their labor.
“We sell cocoa on the international market, so it is not the president who decides he will give cocoa farmers the prices he wants. His ability to determine the price depends on what prevails in the international market. If at any point in time, the market is favourable, cocoa farmers must also be given the opportunity to enjoy it. This is a good year for cocoa farmers all over the world. This year, cocoa prices have surged to historical heights. And so this is an opportunity for cocoa farmers to enjoy.
“Unfortunately, the government is giving them a price far below what is prevailing in the international market. And so some of us became worried. Why is it that we have this high price and then our cocoa farmers are being given just peanuts? This is not what is happening in the international market. Cocoa farmers should be given something close to GHC2,500 minus the premium. That is why we are saying this government is short-changing the cocoa farmers.”
In response to criticism, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) fired back at former President John Dramani Mahama, who had voiced concerns over the government’s decision to raise cocoa prices.
COCOBOD CEO, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, contended that John Mahama should be well-acquainted with the process for determining cocoa producer prices.
Mr. Mahama had labeled the government as “insensitive” to the farmers’ plight, arguing that the price increase was insufficient.
The government, on the other hand, defended its decision to raise cocoa prices to GHC1,300. They cited multiple factors, including the international cocoa market price, production costs, and the need to maintain Ghana’s competitive edge in the cocoa industry, as influencing this decision.
