The Minority in Parliament has slammed the government’s handling of the cocoa sector, with Spokesperson Kojo Oppong Nkrumah highlighting the contrast between the current administration’s actions and the previous government’s record. According to TV3GH, Oppong Nkrumah stated that the NPP inherited a $4.7 billion debt but maintained producer prices during global downturns, whereas the NDC inherited a lower debt yet slashed farmer payments.
The controversy surrounds the recent reduction in cocoa producer prices, with the Minority arguing that the decision is a betrayal of farmers. Oppong Nkrumah emphasized that the price cut would have devastating effects on farmers’ livelihoods, citing a case where a purchasing clerk faced an instant loss of nearly GH¢200,000.
The NPP MP recalled the 2018-2019 cocoa season when global prices fell, but the government at the time maintained and even increased farmer earnings. He questioned the current government’s decision to cut prices, arguing that it undermines trust in government policy and threatens the future of the sector.
The debate has reignited campaign promises by NDC leaders, who had promised farmers up to GH¢6,500 per bag, only to reduce it to GH¢2,587. Oppong Nkrumah described the move as “not reform, but betrayal”.
The government’s justification for the price cut has been met with skepticism, with the Minority pointing to Côte d’Ivoire’s decision to maintain its producer price framework despite global market fluctuations.
As the debate rages on, farmers await the outcome, with their livelihoods hanging in the balance.
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Author: Korkor Anumu
