A/R: Cocoa Farmers Claim NDC Officials Threatened Them Over Minority Meeting in Sekyere East
Farmers allege intimidation and fear exclusion from fertilizer support over participation in Minority engagements
- Cocoa farmers in Bepoah, Sekyere East, allege threats from individuals claiming affiliation with the NDC to prevent participation in Minority meetings
- Farmers fear exclusion from government support, particularly fertilizer distribution, if they attend the engagements
- The farmers are calling on authorities to ensure fair participation and transparency in government assistance
Some cocoa farmers at Bepoah in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region have raised concerns over alleged threats from individuals they claim are affiliated with the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
According to the farmers, they have been warned not to attend meetings organized by the Minority caucus or risk being excluded from government support, particularly in the distribution of fertilizers.
The farmers allege that some party foot soldiers have been moving from house to house, cautioning residents that anyone who participates in the Minority’s engagement will be denied access to benefits intended for cocoa farmers.
They described the situation as intimidating, noting that such actions could discourage them from freely expressing their concerns and participating in discussions that affect their livelihoods.
The allegations come amid ongoing tours by the Minority in Parliament, led by the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, to engage cocoa farmers across parts of the Ashanti Region.
The farmers are therefore calling on authorities to intervene and ensure that they are allowed to participate in such meetings without fear of victimization.
They further stressed the need for fairness and transparency in the distribution of government support, emphasizing that assistance should not be tied to political affiliation.
The development highlights growing tensions within some cocoa-growing communities, as farmers continue to voice concerns over both economic challenges and alleged political interference.
