Cocoa Farmers Threaten To Abandon Farms Over Unpaid Arrears
Cocoa farmers in some parts of the Ashanti region are threatening to cut down their cocoa trees and explore alternative livelihoods due to the government’s delay in paying their arrears.
Farmers in Offinso, Namong Wenchi, and Afigya Kwabre North are particularly affected, with some owed for several months.
The delay has taken a toll on the farmers’ livelihoods, with some reporting that their families are struggling to make ends meet.
“Our wives are now depending on their parents because we don’t have money,” one farmer lamented.
The farmers are urging the government to release funds to settle the outstanding payments, warning that the situation could have severe consequences for the cocoa industry if not addressed promptly.
Some farmers are considering switching to rice farming or aquaculture due to the uncertainty surrounding cocoa production.
Speaking in an interview with Bismark Mensah after visiting the farmers in these communities,they had this to say to Govt.
Story by Bawa Bidoo.
