Ato Forson reaffirms commitment to cocoa farmers, proposes urgent reforms to revitalize sector

Ato Forson, the Minister of Finance Designate, has reaffirmed his dedication to supporting cocoa farmers, emphasizing that their well-being remains a top priority.

During his vetting on Monday, January 13, 2025, he acknowledged the pivotal role cocoa farmers play in Ghana’s economy, noting that the cocoa sector has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s financial stability.

He noted that, “I’ve done that in the last eight years, and I’ve fought for the cocoa farmer year in, year out. I will not change that,”

However, he expressed concern about the sector’s alarming decline and stressed the urgent need for corrective measures.

“My concern, and I’ve always raised this concern, has to do with the fact that the sector is collapsing and dwindling at a very fast rate, in fact at an exponential rate,” He said.

In response, Ato Forson proposed a comprehensive strategy, which includes reviewing farm gate prices and revitalizing the sector as a whole. “So I do not have the sole power, prerogative, to announce cocoa price today,” he explained.

While he clarified that the Ghana Cocoa Board, which operates under the Ministry of Agriculture, falls outside his direct jurisdiction as Minister of Finance unless a policy change occurs, Ato Forson assured cocoa farmers that he would advocate for them and work to secure a fair price for their produce.

“Obviously, as a minister, I’ll be the champion for cocoa farmers, and I’ll make sure that they get a fair price,” he pledged.