A lecturer at Kumasi Technical University, Dr. Solomon Forkuo, has attributed the delay in payments to cocoa farmers to what he described as “wrong decisions” taken by the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on the Wontumi Morning Show hosted by Akyemkwaa Nana Kofi Asare, Dr. Forkuo explained why, in his view, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the government are struggling to pay farmers who have already supplied their cocoa beans.
According to him, the roots of the problem date back to campaign promises made by the National Democratic Congress prior to assuming office.
“Before coming into power, the NDC promised to increase the price of cocoa from GH¢3,000 to GH¢6,000. That promise influenced many farmers to hold on to their produce in anticipation of higher prices,” he stated.
Dr. Forkuo argued that when the price increment was eventually implemented, the timing was inappropriate.
“The increase was done in anticipation of rising global market prices, but those expectations did not materialize. The cocoa sector requires competent management, not mere rhetoric,” he said.
He further contended that even if global cocoa prices have declined, as the government claims, farmers should still be receiving about GH¢3,800 per bag instead of the current GH¢2,587.
“Farmers have been shortchanged under the current arrangement,” he alleged.
Dr. Forkuo also criticized what he described as poor management of the sector, suggesting that revenues from gold could be used to cushion the cocoa industry and ensure better producer prices.
He contrasted the current situation with the tenure of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, stating that even during the Russia–Ukraine conflict, the cocoa sector was managed effectively without a reduction in producer prices.