“I’m a Cocoa Farmer Too; The Price Reduction Has Affected Me” – Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed empathy for Ghanaian cocoa farmers following the government’s decision to reduce the cocoa producer price per bag.
The producer price was reviewed downward from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag, a move government says was necessitated by instability on the international cocoa market.
Speaking at the inaugural Ghana Tree Crops Investment Summit and Exhibition in Accra, President Mahama emphasised that policy decisions in the cocoa sector must reflect the daily realities faced by farmers.
The President revealed that he personally cultivates cocoa on 50 acres, stating that fluctuations in producer prices and rising input costs directly affect him.
“I planted cocoa on 50 acres, so I am a cocoa farmer. When the price is reduced by the government, it affects me too. If the price of fertiliser is high, I feel it because I also buy fertiliser,” he said.
He noted that understanding the real-life impact of policy decisions is crucial to ensuring fairness and sustainability within the sector.
Government officials have attributed the price adjustment to volatility in global cocoa prices and broader market instability. Authorities argue that maintaining balance within the industry requires difficult but strategic decisions.
However, the reduction has sparked concern among farmers, many of whom are already grappling with rising production costs and economic pressures.
President Mahama called for pragmatic, farmer-focused reforms that safeguard livelihoods while ensuring the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Ghana remains one of the world’s top cocoa producers, and changes in producer pricing significantly affect thousands of farming households nationwide.
Industry observers say sustained dialogue between government and stakeholders will be critical in stabilising the sector amid global uncertainties.
Read:
Frim Pong
Comments ()