The Ashanti Regional Communications Director of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Paul Yandoh, has criticized the government over what he describes as poor treatment of cocoa farmers, urging authorities to address their concerns urgently.
According to him, cocoa farmers across the country are dissatisfied with recent developments in the sector and are calling on President John Dramani Mahama to remove the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Randy Abbey, from office.
Speaking on the Wontumi Morning Show hosted by Oheneba Nana Asiedu, Yandoh expressed disappointment that, for the first time in Ghana’s history, the producer price of cocoa has allegedly been reduced under President Mahama’s administration. He described the move as poor governance, claiming it would be remembered that the first COCOBOD CEO to reduce cocoa prices in Ghana is Randy Abbey.
Yandoh further alleged that cocoa funds are being misused, including the renovation of a former COCOBOD CEO’s residence, the purchase of V8 and pickup vehicles, and financial support for the national football team. He claimed that more than GH₵1.2 billion has been spent while cocoa farmers continue to struggle under harsh conditions.
He described the situation as unacceptable, stressing that farmers are demanding fair compensation for their hard work.
“All the farmers are asking for is fair pay,” Yandoh stated. “They want nothing more than to be properly compensated.”