The Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association (GNCFA) has issued a stern warning to the current government, urging them to avoid repeating the policy missteps of the previous administration that contributed to its electoral defeat.
Stephenson Anane Boateng, President of the GNCFA, highlighted a long-standing issue of neglect and exclusion, stating that cocoa farmers have been consistently sidelined from crucial consultations regarding the sector for years.
In an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Boateng asserted that the policies enacted by successive governments have repeatedly failed to align with the genuine needs of the cocoa sector.
He specifically attributed the previous NPP administration’s loss of power, in part, to its disregard for cocoa farmers and its failure to consult or engage them on sector-related matters.
The criticism was notably directed at the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Randy Abbey, for allegedly neglecting farmers and failing to solicit their perspectives on critical issues. Mr Boateng noted that since his appointment, the CEO has yet to engage with any recognised cocoa farming groups to understand the complex dynamics of the sector.
Speaking further on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the GNCFA President pointed out that while COCOBOD’s mandate includes the promotion of production, research, extension, internal and external marketing, and quality control across the cocoa, coffee, and shea nut sectors, the Board has “consistently failed to achieve these objectives over the years.”
Mr Boateng lamented the lack of sustained commitment from national leaders in rolling out sustainable initiatives to enhance the cocoa sector.
He stressed, “For us to make progress, our leaders must roll out initiatives that will enhance the sector and must do so in collaboration with the industry players, particularly the farmers.”
The Association emphasised its own unwavering commitment to its role but simultaneously demanded that the authorities fulfil their responsibilities.
> “We had challenges under the previous administration, and we raised concerns, but we were ignored. This government has taken over, and we are monitoring and watching closely. We expect them to do better.”
Lack of Engagement and Sector Value
The GNCFA president expressed deep frustration over the perceived competence and approach of public officers managing key institutions. He stated that the lack of consultation is pervasive, making farmers feel “treated as illiterates” by those in charge.
“They only engage us when they need to buy our cocoa. There is nothing more aside from that. We want enhanced engagement with policymakers.”
He challenged the true value delivered by COCOBOD, arguing that the lack of engagement demonstrates a fundamental undervaluing of the cocoa farmer.
The relocation of the cocoa sector from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of Finance was also identified as “problematic”, suggesting that the Finance Ministry cannot adequately represent the interests of the farmers.
The President challenged the COCOBOD CEO to provide evidence of any engagement he had had with any of the farmers’ groups since he assumed office.
“Ask Randy Abbey to mention any single farming group he has engaged and outlined his vision [to].”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
