The Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina-Acheampong, has urged the government to restore the original cocoa price and pay farmers what he describes as their rightful dues.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the MP expressed concern over the decision to reduce the producer price of cocoa, arguing that the move contradicts earlier assurances given to farmers.
According to him, farmers were promised favourable pricing but were instead hit with a significant reduction in the price per bag.
“The government told farmers they would receive a very good price, but they have drastically reduced the price of a bag of cocoa,” he said.
Onyina-Acheampong noted that the reduction is unfair, particularly at a time when farmers are grappling with rising costs of electricity, water and transportation.
He further argued that previous administrations, including the National Democratic Congress, had taken steps to cushion farmers during price downturns, unlike the current government.
“The difference between us and this insensitive government is that we care about the ordinary farmer,” he stressed.
The MP is demanding that the government restore the original price of GH¢3,625 per 64kg bag and settle any outstanding arrears owed to cocoa farmers.
He warned that the price cut could negatively affect more than six million people whose livelihoods depend on the cocoa sector, including farmers, Licensed Buying Companies and purchasing clerks.
Government officials have attributed the price adjustment to global market trends and financial constraints. However, Onyina-Acheampong insists that such challenges are not new and should not be used as justification for reducing farmers’ earnings.
