Ghana’s Minority group in Parliament has criticized the government for what it considers an inadequate increase in the price of cocoa. They argue that the government’s announcement of a GH¢1,308 per cocoa bag for this year’s cocoa season falls short of what cocoa farmers deserve.

President Akufo-Addo recently announced a significant increase of more than 60 percent in cocoa prices, citing the challenges faced by cocoa farmers due to low international cocoa prices and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The new price translates to GH¢1,308 per cocoa bag.

However, the Minority group contends that cocoa farmers should have received no less than GH¢2,500 per bag, given the high cocoa prices on the international market. They accuse the government of engaging in propaganda and assert that cocoa prices have seen the most substantial increase since 1977.

Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, Minority Leader and MP for Ajumako Enyan Essiam, emphasized that the price of cocoa is influenced by factors such as the strength of the Cedi and international cocoa prices. He argued that with cocoa prices currently at a record high, the government should have provided better support to cocoa farmers.

Eric Opoku, Minority Spokesperson on Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, highlighted the NDC’s track record in supporting cocoa farmers and questioned the government’s claims of doing something extraordinary when international cocoa prices are at a peak.

The criticism from the Minority group reflects concerns about whether the government’s price increase adequately addresses the challenges faced by cocoa farmers in Ghana.

The debate over cocoa prices highlights the complexities of managing a critical agricultural sector in the face of global market dynamics and local economic conditions.