Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) John Mahama has promised to shake up the cocoa industry and prosecute officials responsible for its collapse if elected again in 2024.
Addressing a rally at Kwaku Agya in Dormaa West, Mahama criticized the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government for abandoning road construction projects and other infrastructure investments initiated by his administration.
He alleged that the current government halted all road construction projects awarded by his administration and stopped providing free cocoa fertilizers to farmers, leading to spoilage.
Mahama assured farmers that his government would restore their benefits, including increasing cocoa prices, which have remained unchanged for four years despite rising global market prices.
He noted that farmers should receive 70% of the international market price for their cocoa but are not benefiting fairly due to high administrative expenses by the cocoa board, totaling 3.4 billion Cedi.
Mahama criticized the NPP government for prioritizing cocoa board expenses over farmers’ welfare, making cocoa farming an unattractive venture, and leading many farmers to sell their farms to illegal miners.
He promised to change this situation and make cocoa farming profitable again.
Mahama spent three days campaigning in the 12 constituencies of the Bono Region, urging voters to elect him again in 2024.
By: Magyina Kwasi | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
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