The recent announcement by the government to reduce the cocoa producer price per bag from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 has triggered widespread condemnation, particularly from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Justin Frimpong Kodua, the NPP’s General Secretary, has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for implementing this decision, describing it as a move that will worsen the ongoing crisis in the cocoa sector.
Speaking during an interview on TV3, Kodua argued that the price reduction will create unnecessary tension between cocoa farmers and buyers, who had already agreed to a price of GH¢3,625 for their produce. This price cut could break existing contracts, leading to confusion and conflict between parties involved.
Kodua further expressed concerns that this sudden decision could have detrimental long-term effects on the cocoa farming industry, noting that it would discourage farmers by offering them lower financial returns for their hard work. He emphasized that this decision could force farmers to abandon cocoa farming altogether, opting instead to sell their lands for illegal mining activities, a trend that has been growing in recent years.
According to the NPP General Secretary, the government’s current approach is counterproductive and risks pushing farmers towards more environmentally damaging practices, further straining the agricultural sector.
In addition to the social and economic ramifications, Kodua also highlighted that the government’s failure to create adequate incentives for farmers undermines the entire cocoa value chain, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of workers within the sector. He expressed disbelief that the government would choose such a path, without considering the broader impact on the rural economy and the environment.
