The Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, Hon Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina Acheampong, has strongly criticized the government’s decision to reduce cocoa prices, describing it as “the worst decision ever made under the Fourth Republic.”
According to him, the so-called cocoa “haircut” represents a sharp deviation from earlier assurances given to farmers.
Addresing farmers at Odumase in the Manso Adubea district of the Ashanti Region, He argued that claims by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) that the current producer price of GH¢2,500 is an improvement over the inherited GH¢3,100 are misleading and disrespectful to cocoa farmers.
Hon. Acheampong maintained that the justification offered by the government does not reflect the economic realities facing farmers, many of whom depend heavily on cocoa for their livelihoods.
He described the explanation as “an insult,” insisting that farmers deserve transparency and fair pricing rather than what he called political spin.
He further cautioned cocoa farmers to remain vigilant, alleging that the NDC could increase prices closer to election periods as a strategy to win support.
He urged farmers to resist what he termed “short term inducements” and instead hold leaders accountable for their policies.
The Kwabre East MP assured farmers that the Minority Caucus in Parliament would continue to advocate on their behalf.
He pledged that they would push the government to release adequate funds to support cocoa purchases and work toward restoring the previous price levels.
Hon. Acheampong also pointed to what he described as unfulfilled promises made by the NDC while in opposition. These, he said, included commitments to drill boreholes on cocoa farms, establish cocoa training schools, and significantly increase producer prices from GH¢3,100 to GH¢6,000.
He argued that the failure to deliver on these pledges reveals the true character of the party.
He concluded by urging cocoa farmers to stay focused and discerning, emphasizing the need for them to carefully evaluate political promises when approached in future elections.