Government is under intense criticism following its decision to reduce the cocoa producer price to GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag, with opposition lawmakers and civil society organisations accusing the administration of reneging on a major campaign promise to cocoa farmers.
Campaign Promise
During the 2024 general election campaign, the leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), repeatedly assured farmers that cocoa prices would be increased substantially if the party won power. President John Dramani Mahama was widely quoted at campaign rallies in cocoa-growing communities as promising that farmers would earn not less than GH¢6,000 per bag to restore dignity to cocoa production.
Criticisms
Critics argue that the latest pricing decision represents a sharp reversal of those commitments.
Minority Demands
The Minority in Parliament has also demanded the dismissal of Randy Abbey, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), insisting that new leadership is needed to address the growing crisis in the cocoa sector.
Reforms
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Baah Forson has announced a set of reforms intended to stabilise the cocoa industry amid falling production levels, rising operational costs, and financial constraints facing the sector.
Condemnation
But the Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has strongly condemned the producer price reduction, describing it as a betrayal of farmers’ trust and a policy decision that could deepen hardship in rural communities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the group said the reduction comes at a time when cocoa farmers are grappling with high input costs, rising labour expenses, and declining yields due to climate change.
CDM warned that making cocoa farming less profitable could drive more farmers into illegal mining activities, undermining national efforts to combat galamsey and protect agricultural lands.
The organisation is calling for an immediate reversal of the new producer price, urgent engagement with farmer unions, and the implementation of a transparent cocoa pricing framework that reflects the true value of farmers’ labour.
The controversy highlights growing pressure on government to balance sector reforms with campaign commitments to cocoa farmers.
