Mr Isaac Yaw Opoku, the Member of Parliament for Offinso South and Ranking Member of the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee, has proposed an immediate salary reduction for all public officers following the recent decrease in cocoa prices.
He argued that this measure should not be limited to specific agencies but must include every official from the Presidency to Parliament.
Mr Opoku stated that a broad salary cut is the most equitable response to the current financial climate. When questioned on whether he specifically supported reducing the salaries of the COCOBOD Chief Executive Officer and staff, he expanded the scope to include all government workers.
He emphasised that cocoa farmers have had a distressing experience with the current government, particularly since the administration promised to purchase a bag of cocoa at GH¢6,000 while they were in opposition.
To demonstrate his resolve, the MP pledged that he would be the first member of the legislature to accept a salary cut if the measure were officially implemented.
The government has officially reduced the producer price of cocoa to GH¢41,392 per tonne, which equates to GH¢2,587 per bag, for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season.
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson attributed this decision to a decline in global market prices and increasing liquidity pressures within the sector.
During a press conference in Accra on Thursday, February 12, 2026, the minister explained that the adjustment was deemed necessary to align with international price realities while attempting to protect farmers’ incomes to the greatest extent possible.
Commenting on the situation, the MP warned that the new prices will create significant financial hardship for farmers.
When asked if it was prudent to target only COCOBOD staff for salary reductions, he maintained that the burden should be shared across the board.
He noted that the farmers have suffered and been cheated, and therefore he is proposing a reduction in the salaries of all Ghanaian workers to support them.
He reiterated that this should include every MP and that he is personally ready to sacrifice his salary to aid the agricultural sector.
“I am proposing that we reduce the salaries of every Ghanaian worker and not just COCOBOD staff,” Opoku stated. “The farmers have suffered and been cheated. I am proposing that we reduce the salaries of Ghanaian workers to support the farmers. This should include everyone, including MPs. I would be the first person to sacrifice my salary if that is done.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
