Tension is rising in the Abirem Constituency in the Eastern Region as some cocoa farmers threaten to invoke curses against President John Dramani Mahama if the government fails to restore cocoa prices and settle outstanding payments.
The warning came during a visit by Minority Members of Parliament (MPs) to cocoa farms in the area.
The delegation, led by the Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, included Sammi Awuku, Dr. Gideon Boako, Ida Adjoa Asiedua of Ayensuano, Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Charles Wiredu, Rudolf Amoako, Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, Seth Osei Akoto, Michael Aidoo of Oforikrom, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and Akwasi Acquah of Oda. The group split into two teams, with one handling debate on the State of the Nation Address in Parliament and the other engaging cocoa farmers on their concerns.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh, Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, speaking on behalf of the team, said the “Mighty Minority” had divided itself to ensure that farmers’ grievances were heard while parliamentary duties continued.
The MP for Oforikrom, Michael Aidoo addressed concerns about cocoa pricing, explaining the difference between forward price and spot price.
He stated that during the 2024 election year, cocoa for 2025 was sold at a forward price.
However, instead of maintaining that forward sales arrangement, the new government reportedly delayed in selling the cocoa beans with the hope to sell them at spot price when global cocoa prices had risen, only for price to suddenly fall.
According to him, if 85 percent of cocoa had already been sold on forward contracts and global prices later declined, the weighted average should not significantly affect the price paid to farmers.
He argued that farmers should not bear the brunt of pricing decisions.
The explanations aggravated frustrations of the farmers.
Kwadwo Frimpong, a farmer, said he recently sold 10 kilograms of cocoa but had yet to be paid.
“Let alone the five bags I sold in November. We will curse them if they fail to restore cocoa prices and pay us accordingly. We cocoa farmers have made Ghana what it is today. If you disappoint us, we will pray to God to pay you back and invoke the spirits of our gods,” he added.
Another farmer, Auntie Aggie, a widow, questioned whether the President understood the financial burden on cocoa households.
“Does he know how much I am paying for school fees? You want to deny me and my children our future,” she lamented.
Wofa Twum, also known as Akuafohene, said farmers felt betrayed after being promised improved prices.
“We were promised fantastic prices only to experience a price cut after voting for you. Is that how you want to pay us back?” he asked.
The farmers are calling for immediate restoration of what they describe as the original cocoa price and prompt payment of arrears, warning that their patience is running out.