Cocoa farmers in Ajumako Enyan Essiam, particularly at Enyinasu, have expressed deep frustration over the reduction in cocoa prices, saying the situation is severely affecting their livelihoods and the welfare of their families.
Despite heavy rainfall, the farmers gathered to present their concerns to members of Parliament’s Minority Committee on Cocoa Affairs during a visit to the area.
The farmers complained that the decline in cocoa prices, coupled with rising costs of farm inputs and household expenses, has made life increasingly difficult for cocoa-producing families.
According to them, they were promised better prices and support packages, but the expected payments have either been reduced or delayed.
Some farmers also alleged that an additional GH¢2,500 payment due them has not been paid for several months. Others claimed they are yet to receive payment for cocoa beans sold since November.
Speaking during the engagement, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Cocoa Affairs Committee, Isaac Yaw Opoku, argued that cocoa farmers should not be subjected to such hardships.
He stated that during the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, cocoa prices on the international market declined, yet local producer prices were maintained.
Dr. Opoku also criticized comparisons between cocoa prices in Ghana and those of other cocoa-producing countries, insisting that Ghanaian farmers deserve fair treatment considering the country’s role in global cocoa production.
According to him, if proceeds from cocoa sales are available, as reportedly indicated by the Bank of Ghana, then farmers should receive their payments without delay.
The concerns raised by the farmers add to ongoing national discussions about cocoa pricing, farmer welfare, and sustainability within Ghana’s cocoa sector, which remains one of the country’s most important economic industries.
