The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has publicly questioned the silence of the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, over the controversial reduction in cocoa producer prices, intensifying political debate over the crisis facing the cocoa sector.
Speaking during an engagement with farmers at Badu in the Tain Constituency considered the political stronghold of Mr. Asiedu Nketia Frank Annoh-Dompreh challenged the NDC Chairman to state his position on the price cut, particularly in light of his perceived national leadership ambitions.
He argued that the issue goes beyond partisan politics, stressing that cocoa farmers are enduring severe hardship due to reduced prices and delayed payments, and deserve clear leadership and accountability from key political figures.
The Minority Chief Whip further referenced claims attributed to NDC Deputy Director of Operations, Mustapha Gbande, regarding alleged financial allocations to party structures, contrasting this with the plight of cocoa farmers who remain unpaid.
He questioned why party leadership appears silent while farmers struggle, insisting that those seeking higher office must demonstrate commitment to resolving such pressing national issues.
The remarks come amid a broader crisis in the cocoa sector following the government’s decision to reduce the producer price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag for the 2025/2026 season.
The move has triggered widespread discontent among farmers across cocoa-growing regions, who say rising input costs and delayed payments have made farming increasingly unsustainable.
During the engagement, both cocoa and cashew farmers shared their frustrations, describing worsening living conditions and calling for immediate intervention.
Many appealed to political leaders across the divide to prioritise their welfare, restore fair pricing, and ensure timely payments to sustain their livelihoods.
The Minority maintains that it will continue its nationwide tour and advocacy campaign to amplify farmers’ concerns and push for urgent policy responses, as pressure mounts on government and political leaders to address the growing unrest in the cocoa sector.