The Offinsomanhene, Nana Dwamena Akenten II, has called on the Minority Caucus in Parliament to strongly represent the interests of cocoa farmers as they embark on a tour of cocoa-producing communities across the Ashanti Region.
“Go and speak for the farmers — we are behind you,” the chief told the lawmakers when a delegation of Minority MPs paid a courtesy call on him and the Offinso Queenmother, Nana Adwoa Afranewaa III, during the Akwasidae celebration on Sunday.
Led by the Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the delegation sought the blessings of the chiefs ahead of a week-long engagement with cocoa farmers starting Monday.
The MPs said the tour aims to listen directly to farmers and gather firsthand information on the impact of recent producer price reductions, widely described as “cocoa price haircuts.” They also plan to brief the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, on the outcomes of the tour.
In receiving the delegation, Nana Dwamena Akenten II urged the MPs to address farmers’ concerns fairly, emphasizing that cocoa is the backbone of Ghana’s economy and that issues affecting farmers should be treated as national rather than partisan matters.
The chief also called on Parliament to enact laws protecting traditional leaders from public insults and unfounded allegations, stressing that respect for chieftaincy is essential for preserving Ghanaian cultural values and social harmony.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Mr. Annoh-Dompreh said the Minority caucus considers it important to seek the blessings of traditional authorities before engaging farmers, noting the critical role chiefs play in the governance and development of cocoa communities.
The Ashanti Region tour follows a similar engagement in the Eastern Region, where farmers raised issues of declining incomes, rising production costs, and reductions in producer prices from over GH¢3,500 per bag to about GH¢2,500.
The Minority delegation, including MPs serving on committees covering economic affairs, agriculture, and cocoa matters, says the nationwide engagement will gather evidence-based feedback to support calls for policy review in the cocoa sector. The Ashanti tour will continue throughout the week, with MPs visiting several cocoa-producing communities to interact with farmers and document their concerns.
Source: adomonline.com
