The Member of Parliament for Bekwai, Hon. Ralph Poku-Adusei, has raised serious concerns over the worsening conditions facing cocoa farmers, warning that some farmers are on the verge of dying due to delayed payments and declining producer prices, a situation he says now poses a national security risk.
Speaking during the Minority Caucus tour of cocoa growing communities in the Ashanti Region, the Bekwai MP described the current state of the cocoa sector as alarming and unacceptable, accusing the government of failing to appreciate the severity of the crisis confronting farmers.
According to him, it is unfortunate that the government continues to treat the situation as normal despite the economic hardship faced by cocoa farmers across the country.
“Some cocoa farmers are on the verge of dying and it is not just sad; it is a matter of national security,” he stated.
At the heart of the MP’s anger is the government’s decision to revise the producer price of cocoa downward from GH₵3,600 to GH₵2,500 per bag.
“The government took the cocoa for months, and when it was time to pay, it varied the price downwards from GH₵3,600 to GH₵2,500. Why? What are the bases for doing that?” he questioned.
The MP insisted that the concerns being raised by the Minority were not politically motivated but reflected the harsh realities confronting farmers on the ground.
He argued that the condition of cocoa farmers clearly shows growing neglect, adding that many are struggling to survive because government payments have been delayed.
“This is not about politics. The reality of the farmers shows that some are on the verge of dying because government is refusing to pay them”
He revealed that the minority’s tour of cocoa communities was partly aimed at offering farmers some reassurance amid the hardship.
“Our tour is also to give the farmers some assurance that there is hope in 2028,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the ruling NDC government would face electoral consequences for its handling of the crisis, citing the widespread suffering among ordinary Ghanaians.
“I am not sure that in 2028, anybody will vote for this NDC government to retain power for any reason, because the ordinary people are suffering,” he added.
Source: wontumionline.com/Evans Manasseh