The founder of the Union Government (UG), Akwasi Addae Odike, has warned that the ongoing cocoa sector crisis could have serious political consequences for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on the Angel Anopa Bofuo show hosted by Ohemaa Sekyiwaa on Monday, February 16, 2026, Odike emphasised that if the NDC fails to manage the cocoa crisis effectively, it could spell disaster for the party in the upcoming elections.
He noted that when NDC Chairman Asiedu Nketia blames the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for allegedly turning farmers against the Mahama administration, it implies that farmers are incapable of making their own decisions.
“If the NDC don’t manage the issue well and shift blame to the NPP or the opposition, then they are telling the cocoa farmers that they can’t think for themselves,” he stated.
Odike highlighted the significant challenges cocoa farmers face, including the physical demands of farm work, the high cost of chemicals for crop protection, hiring labourers, and other expenses incurred before harvesting.
He added that if the government truly understood the financial burdens faced by cocoa farmers including loans they take to sustain production, they would not have reduced cocoa prices while simultaneously placing blame elsewhere.
“This issue has created a scar in the minds and hearts of the cocoa farmers,” he said.
Odike therefore urged the government to find solutions to address the cocoa crisis rather than assigning blame.
Source: Vanessa Elizabeth Nkum
