The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has claimed that the government has directed Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to suspend cocoa purchases nationwide.
He described the directive as a sign of weakness towards cocoa farmers, especially in light of the recent price cut.
A delegation from the Minority Caucus in Parliament paid a courtesy visit to the Paramount Chief of the Offinso Traditional Area, Nana Dwamena Akenten II, during the celebration of the Asantes’ “Akwasidea” festival in Offinso.
Before touring cocoa-producing communities in the Ashanti Region, Frank Annoh-Dompreh led the team to seek the blessing of the Asantehene’s caretaker, following proper protocol in the absence of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The five-day tour aims to engage cocoa farmers and understand their concerns over the recent cocoa price cut, which has sparked widespread frustration and protests.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh expressed deep concern about the plight of cocoa farmers, claiming that Licensed Buying Companies have been ordered to halt purchases.
“The government has directed Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to suspend cocoa purchases nationwide, causing distress among Ghanaian cocoa farmers, while Ivory Coast continues buying activities. We all know that in Ghana, you can’t smuggle cocoa, and the buying companies haven’t paid the farmers yet,” he said.
He added that the move effectively squeezes farmers and discourages them from raising complaints.
Annoh-Dompreh warned that the price reduction could have a detrimental effect on farmers and the cocoa industry as a whole. He stressed that governments cannot take cocoa benefits lightly, and farmers deserve a fair share of the profits.
“When the NDC came to power, we all know where the cocoa price was and where it has been reduced to. It’s clear that farmers, who have in-depth knowledge about cocoa production, are unhappy and uncomfortable with the price cut,” he noted.
While acknowledging that fluctuations in international cocoa prices are not new and that Ghana has systems to shield farmers from severe effects, he criticised the NDC for failing to utilise these measures.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh assured that the Minority Caucus’s engagement with cocoa farmers is not confrontational towards the President but intended to genuinely understand the challenges facing farmers.
Nana Dwamena Akenten II welcomed the caucus’ goodwill, emphasising that cocoa farmers remain the backbone of Ghana’s cocoa economy and deserve greater attention and support from policymakers.
“The cocoa price cut has hit us hard because I’m a fellow cocoa farmer. It’s good that you’ve come to hear the farmers’ concerns firsthand. Don’t just take our concerns and leave; champion our cause,” he said.
On behalf of the Asantehene, he gave the delegation the green light to proceed with their tour and advised that their engagement with farmers should not be driven by political motives.
Source: adomonline.com
