Cocoa Price Surges Yet NDC Unwilling to Acknowledge Government’s Efforts

Following consultations with stakeholders in the cocoa industry, the government has raised the producer price for cocoa, setting it at GHC2,070 per bag, effective from Friday, April 5. This adjustment will remain in effect for the remainder of the 2023–2024 cocoa season.

The announcement of this new price was made by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBO) in a statement dated April 5, citing the necessity of the increase to improve the income of cocoa farmers.

The decision came amidst calls from the parliamentary minority for the government to raise the farm-gate price of cocoa due to global cocoa price hikes.

Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), shared the statement, accusing the government of mismanagement and corruption in the cocoa sector.

The NDC highlighted the low prices paid to farmers, which they claim are exacerbating the living conditions of cocoa farmers.

In response to the price hike in an interview on Kumasi-based Radio, Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen, a private legal practitioner, acknowledged it as a positive move by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

However, Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen, lamented the reluctance of the opposition NDC to acknowledge the government’s efforts in increasing cocoa prices, particularly amidst challenges between Cocobod and the Produce Buying Company.

“Sometimes the politics we do in the country is so worrisome that the NDC will never say anything good about the government,” he said.

Lawyer Nana Obiri Boahen expressed concern over the partisan nature of politics in the country, noting that the NDC rarely acknowledges any positive actions by the government.

He emphasized that the price increase is a significant achievement for the NPP and will serve as motivation for cocoa farmers.