The National Association of Farmers and Fishermen has urged Ghanaian cocoa farmers not to be swayed by “propaganda” from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) regarding the recent reduction in cocoa prices.
Mr. Eric Sosu, the Association’s Director of Operations, clarified that the price adjustment was not a deliberate attempt to undermine farmers, but rather a prudent approach to preserving their long-term livelihoods. He cited three primary drivers for the current situation:
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Mr. Sosu highlighted that the cocoa sector has faced extreme volatility recently. After surging to historic highs of over $10,000 per tonne in 2024, prices declined significantly due to improved production forecasts and market corrections.
He stressed that the government’s pricing decisions must reflect these global realities to remain sustainable.
Beyond market forces, Mr. Sosu pointed to mismanagement by the previous administration as a core concern.
He welcomed the Cabinet’s approval of a forensic audit and criminal probe into COCOBOD’s activities over the past few years.
Furthermore, he advocated for the probe to be extended beyond cocoa: ”It is not only the cocoa sector that is fraught with cases of financial malfeasance, but the entire agricultural sector.”
Mr. Sosu asserted that President John Dramani Mahama and his administration deeply understand the economic pressures facing producers.
He argued that despite the current price adjustments, farmers stand to see more significant gains under this administration than they did under the previous one.
Mr. Sosu praised the government for the success of the recent Farmers Day celebration, describing it as one of the best in Ghana’s history. He also lauded the Minister of Agriculture, Eric Opoku, calling him one of the “finest ministers of the Fourth Republic” for his commitment to the sector.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
