The Minority Ranking Member on Parliament’s Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, has dismissed government claims that recent reductions in cocoa producer prices are a result of fluctuations on the international market.
Addressing cocoa farmers at Pankese in the Eastern Region, Dr. Opoku described the justification as “unreal.”
He criticised the John Mahama-led administration, stating that the earlier increase in cocoa producer prices was politically motivated, yet farmers are now experiencing a significant reduction.
According to him, the cocoa producer price dropped from GH¢3,625.00 per bag to GH¢2,587.00, representing a decrease of over GH¢1,000 per bag, a situation he described as “painful for cocoa farmers whose livelihoods depend on the crop.”
Dr. Opoku further maintained that the previous administration under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo maintained stable producer prices despite increases in global cocoa prices.
“When the previous government were in office, the cocoa price rose up to $3,000 per tonne, the cocoa bag for farmers didn’t reduce”, insisting that “gains from cocoa should directly benefit farmers.” he mentioned.
Source: Ernest Kelvin Okanta
