Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament (MP) for Offinso South, has noted that the minority’s call on the ruling government to increase the price of cocoa to Ghc7,400 will have no negative financial impact on the public purse.
The MP posited that in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections, the NDC heightened the expectations of cocoa farmers and promised to increase the producer price of no less than 70%, which was affirmed by Eric Opoku, the Minister of Food and Agriculture, on Valentine’s Day.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he argued that the farmers are waiting patiently for this government to deliver on the campaign promise, and it must be fulfilled.
”The ruling government should immediately set a new producer price of not less than GH₵7,400 per bag for cocoa farmers. It was a campaign promise, and they have an obligation to deliver. On February 14, the Minister for Agriculture assured farmers that the government would consider raising this to 70%. He should ensure that this is done. The producer price should not fall below Ghc 7,000.”
He added, “This will not cause the economy to collapse.” You are going to sell the cocoa, so there will be no financial implications for us. We have not asked the government to take out a loan and pay the farmers. So the government is not going to suffer in any way. It shouldn’t have any effect on the economy. We only ask that you give us 70% of what you sold. This is the request. It will instead boost the economy and provide farmers with relief, allowing them to increase production. It will motivate cocoa farmers to maintain our position as the second largest cocoa producers”.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
