Annoh-Dompreh Questions Mahama Over Cocoa Price Cut, Alleges Political Motive
Minority Chief Whip alleges political strategy behind reduction, claims prices may rise in election year
- Annoh-Dompreh questions cocoa price reduction timing
- NDC offices allegedly receive more funding than support given to farmers
- Farmers express frustration over income losses
Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has raised concerns over President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to reduce cocoa prices, suggesting the move could be politically motivated.
Speaking at Akokoamon in the Tano North Constituency, Ahafo Region, Annoh-Dompreh asked whether the President would have taken the same decision if it were an election year.
He hinted that prices might be increased during elections to gain voter support.
The lawmaker also accused the government of prioritizing party offices over cocoa farmers. According to Annoh-Dompreh, each constituency office of the National Democratic Congress receives GH₵20,000 monthly, while regional offices get GH₵100,000, even as farmers struggle with reduced prices—a claim he said was revealed by the party’s Deputy General Secretary, Mustapha Gbande.
“It seems the farmers’ welfare is secondary to party interests,” Annoh-Dompreh said.
The Member of Parliament for Tano North, Gideon Boako, also weighed in, revealing that the government has stopped giving cocoa farmers the benefits they previously enjoyed and has failed to honor promises made to them.
Local cocoa farmers in Tano North expressed frustration over the price reduction, saying it has negatively impacted their livelihoods.
The move has sparked debates about the timing and intention behind the price adjustment, with opposition voices framing it as a politically calculated decision.
