The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagba, has accused the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) of abusing its monopoly power in the country’s cocoa sector, arguing that its tight control over pricing and exports is hurting farmers and the wider economy.
Speaking in an interview on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme with Moro Awudu, Ahiagba criticised the board’s dominant role in buying, pricing and exporting cocoa. He said the structure leaves little room for competition or transparency and places too much power in the hands of a single institution.
His comments come at a time when a new producer price of GH¢41,392 per tonne has taken effect, following a downturn in global cocoa markets. The adjustment has triggered concern among farmers, some of whom say the reduction will further squeeze their already fragile incomes.
Ahiagba argued that recent price decisions highlight what he described as a system that prioritises control over farmer welfare. He called for reforms that would open up the sector, encourage competition and ensure greater accountability in price determination and export arrangements. According to him, the NPP supports a more liberalised cocoa industry that gives farmers stronger bargaining power and clearer insight into how prices are set.
But the claims have been rejected by the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Cletus, speaking on the same programme, dismissed Ahiagba’s remarks as politically motivated and described them as part of election season rhetoric. He defended COCOBOD’s role, saying its centralized structure helps stabilise farmer incomes and protect the industry from extreme global market volatility.
COCOBOD has long operated as the sole regulator and marketer of Ghana’s cocoa, setting producer prices and managing exports. Supporters argue that the model shields farmers from sharp price swings and maintains Ghana’s reputation in international markets. Critics, however, say it limits competition and innovation.
The exchange underscores the broader debate over cocoa production in Ghana and how best to balance market stability with farmer welfare. As global prices fluctuate and domestic pressures mount, the future direction of the sector remains a key economic and political issue.
Source: metrotvonline.com
