By Vincent Kwofie
Cocoa farmers in Ghana’s Western North Region have taken to the streets to protest the recent reduction in the cocoa producer price, which was cut from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag.
The demonstration drew farmers from key cocoa-growing districts, including Sefwi Wiawso, Juaboso and Bia West. Marching through principal streets, the protesters held placards bearing messages such as “Restore Our Price Now” and “Cocoa Sustains Ghana, Don’t Neglect Farmers.”
The farmers accused the government of failing to protect their livelihoods at a time when the cost of farm inputs, labour and transportation continues to rise. They argued that the sharp mid-season price reduction would make it difficult to maintain farms, pay workers and adequately support their families.
Speaking on behalf of the group, a farmer leader warned that the decision could discourage cocoa production and negatively affect the local economy.
“The government hasn’t done well at all. They’ve cut the cocoa price after we’ve already budgeted our lives around it. How are we supposed to survive? The government needs to explain this to us; this is not right,” he said.
The protesters called on the government and the Ghana Cocoa Board to urgently review the producer price to reflect current economic realities, warning that continued hardship among farmers could threaten the sustainability of the cocoa sector, a key pillar of Ghana’s economy.
