Minority To Petition Asantehene Over Cocoa Price Reduction.

The Minority Caucus in Parliament has announced plans to petition the Asantehene over the government’s reduction of cocoa prices, a move they say is severely affecting farmers across the country.

Addressing cocoa farmers in the Ahafo Region, the Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Hon. Frank Annor Dompreh, explained that the petition would be necessary if the government fails to respond to concerns raised by aggrieved farmers.

He stated that should the government, led by John Dramani Mahama, ignore calls to review the cocoa price reduction, the Minority would appeal to the Asantehene to intervene and help address the hardships farmers are currently facing, including delayed payments.

According to him, if the government fails to heed the Asantehene’s intervention, it would signal a lack of commitment to the welfare of cocoa farmers, contrary to promises made during the 2024 election campaign.

Hon. Annor Dompreh emphasized that the Minority Caucus would continue to mount pressure on the government to reverse the decision and ensure prompt payment of monies owed to farmers.

He further noted that although President Mahama is an experienced leader, his handling of cocoa sector issues has been disappointing and requires urgent reconsideration.

Some aggrieved cocoa farmers also expressed frustration, accusing the government of betraying their trust through the price reduction and delays in payment for cocoa already supplied.

According to the farmers, these challenges have left them financially strained, making it difficult to support their families and fund the education of their children, especially those in tertiary institutions.

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