Minority to Petition Asantehene Over Cocoa Price Cut
MPs warn of escalating farmer hardships if government fails to act
- Minority MPs threaten to involve the Asantehene over government’s cocoa price reduction.
- Cocoa farmers report financial strain due to lower prices and delayed payments.
- Minority Chief Whip Frank Annor Dompreh urges government to revise policy or face continued pressure
The recent cocoa price reduction has sparked concerns among farmers across Ghana, prompting the Minority in Parliament to signal potential royal intervention.
During visits to cocoa-producing communities in Tano North, Asutifi North, and Asutifi South districts of the Ahafo Region, Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annor Dompreh, warned that if President John Dramani Mahama’s administration does not address farmers’ grievances, the minority would petition the Asantehene for support.
“This action aims to alleviate the hardships farmers are facing due to the price reduction and outstanding payments,” Mr. Dompreh said, adding that failure to respond would show a lack of genuine concern for cocoa farmers despite campaign promises made in 2024.
Mr. Dompreh further criticized the president, noting that while he is an experienced leader, he has fallen short in managing the cocoa sector and must recognize these shortcomings.
Farmers Lydia Kyeremeh and Keep Adu said that the price cut and unpaid deliveries have created serious financial challenges, affecting their ability to support school-going children, particularly at tertiary institutions. They urged opinion leaders to oppose the government’s decision.
The Minority Chief Whip emphasized that the caucus would continue pressing the government to reverse the price reduction and ensure timely payments to cocoa farmers.
