Some cocoa farmers in the Amansie West district of the Ashanti region, have urged President Akufo-Addo to increase the price of a bag of cocoa to Ghc3,000 instead of the newly announced price of GHc2,070.
The farmers said they appreciate the new price but they believe it could be better than what was announced last week.
The government of Ghana, in consultation with stakeholders, has reviewed the Producer Price of cocoa for the rest of the 2023/24 crop year.
The Producer Price of cocoa has been increased by 58.26% from GH¢20,928 per tonne to GH¢33,120.00 per tonne for the rest of the 2023/24 cocoa season.
This figure translates into GH¢2,070 per bag of 64 kg gross weight and takes effect from Friday, 5th April 2024.
According to the government, the increase in the producer price of cocoa has become necessary to enhance the income of cocoa farmers in line with the vision of the NPP government and in response to the rising prices of cocoa on the international market.
But the cocoa farmers believe the amount should have been pegged at Ghc3,000.
Chief Farmer Ibrahim Kassim speaking on behalf of the farmers on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 97.5FM indicated that neighbouring country Ivory Coast is giving them a better offer hence they have decided to smuggle it there.
When asked what was the price Ivory Coast was giving them, he mentioned GHc2,500.
The individual stated that despite the positive increment, they believe it is insufficient.
He said the new price compared to expenditure on their production, making it nothing but a loss.
He said he and other farmers have nearly given up farming due to the ill-treatment they have received from governments.
The chief farmer blames the government for failing to combat illegal mining activities, stating that most galamseyers force people to accept lucrative offers to sell their farmlands to them.
He expressed concern that if the government fails to show commitment in combating illegal mining, they may have no other option but to sell their cocoa farm to miners.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
