Minority demands cocoa price increase, proposes GH¢7,400 per bag

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has called on the incumbent government to increase the producer price of cocoa instantly to at least GH¢7,400 per bag, referencing the surge in world market prices.

According to minority, the world market price of cocoa had exceeded $11,000 per ton, with the incumbent government promising to pay farmers 70 percent of the world market price.

The Member of Parliament for Offinso South, Hon. Isaac Yaw Opoku, at a press conference in Parliament House on Wednesday, February 19, argued that the current producer price was inadequate and demanded an immediate review. He stated, “We, therefore, demand that a new producer price of not less than GH¢7,400 per bag be given to farmers immediately”.

The Caucus again expressed disappointment with the government’s failure of not fulfilling its campaign promise to pay cocoa farmers 70 percent of the world market price. The MP added that “… Anxiety of farmers has already built up in the past 44 days of the NDC in office, and nothing must be done to let these fretful moments get out of proportion”.

The Minority also referenced the Minister for Food and Agriculture, Mr Eric Opoku’s announcement that the government will offer cocoa farmers 70 percent of the world market price for their produce, exceeding the initially proposed 60 percent.

The Caucus underscored that the government’s failure to increase the producer price would undermine the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and oppose President John Dramani Mahama’s commitment to insure cocoa farmers in Ghana received fair compensation.

 Critics argue that the previous government had 4 years to address the issue of cocoa prices, but their inability to take action during their tenure raises questions about their priorities and commitment to supporting cocoa farmers.