Joseph Boahene Aidoo, the Chief Executive of the Cocoa Board, claims that some dishonest merchants smuggle cocoa from Ghana to its neighbours for their own personal advantage.
Such people, he claims, are unpatriotic and ignore the significant financial commitments the government makes to the sector.
Speaking about recent developments in the cocoa industry, Mr Boahene Adu thinks that the present producer price for cocoa is fair.
He continued by saying that the government has remained loyal to cocoa producers, ensuring they receive the most significant treatment possible.
Mr. Boahene Aidoo urged farmers to enhance their output and not be persuaded by the Minority’s inflated prices.
Despite a recent hike from ¢800 to ¢1,308 per bag, cocoa producers argue that this adjustment falls far short of what they need to sustain their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, some farmers within the Western Region particularly in Bibiani Anhwiaso Bekwai Municipality have backed calls for an increase in the producer price of cocoa.
“We see through these tactics, and we’re not satisfied,” stated one farmer, echoing the sentiments of many others. We don’t need token gestures; we need real support.”
“We are in support of the increase in the price of cocoa. We would appreciate it even more if the price goes higher. We are very thankful to the government for this initiative,”
“The price increase is too small. So it will not help much. He only wants to use this for his campaign. We all know that he is only doing this for his did not increase the price until this year which is a close time for elections.
The price increase is too small and should be increased some more.”
