The National Association of Cocoa Members has formally commended the government following the recent increment in the producer price for cocoa.
Mr. Stephen Anane Boateng, the National President, described the new price of Ghc3,625 per bag, as announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, as a positive development that has been well-received by the Association’s membership.
Mr. Boateng further stated that the Association had previously proposed the implementation of a price adjustment formula. This mechanism would automatically trigger an increase in the cocoa price whenever the dollar appreciates significantly against the local currency.
Expressing optimism, Mr. Anane noted the Association’s hope that the government, led by President John Dramani Mahama, will leverage its experience in the sector. He added that the Association anticipates the President will ensure operations are conducted within the confines of the law to protect cocoa farmers and ensure they receive their deserved compensation.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he indicated that based on the current economic structure, the Association anticipates a periodic adjustment of the producer price as necessitated by market conditions. He also issued a caution, serving notice that the Association would hold the government accountable should they perceive that their members are being financially disadvantaged or ‘shortchanged.’
Regarding the issue of cocoa smuggling, Mr. Boateng firmly denied that farmers are the primary perpetrators. He asserted that the crime is mainly facilitated by businessmen, businesswomen, and government officials.
He stressed that cocoa farmers lack the requisite financial resources and capacity to purchase and smuggle the large quantities of cocoa typically involved in these illicit operations.
“Cocoa farmers are not the ones smuggling cocoa. The businessmen with the capital and politicians are the ones smuggling the cocoa to other countries. How many of the farmers have the resources or capacity to purchase 100 bags of cocoa and smuggle it out of the country? When suspected smugglers are arrested, we only see the vehicles and number plates allegedly used, not the faces of the perpetrators. Does a number plate smuggle cocoa?” he questioned.
Dissenting View on Price Increment
In contrast to the Association’s official stance, another cocoa farmer, identified as Agya Joseph, expressed strong disagreement. He characterized the newly announced price as inadequate and one that failed to meet the expectations of farmers.
Mr. Joseph argued that the relevant authorities had the capacity to offer a more substantial price per bag.
“The Ghc400 increment on the previous Ghc3,208 is insufficient. It is not optimal. The government had previously agreed to provide us with 70 percent of the world market price. While the government claims to have aligned the price with the dollar’s performance, our calculations indicate that we should have received Ghc4,000,” he stated.
He added that the claims made by the ‘mother body’ (the National Association of Cocoa Members) in commending the government do not accurately reflect the consensus view of the majority of cocoa farmers.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
