Cocoa farmers from Darso, located in the Ashanti Region, took a stand against the ongoing cocoa crisis on Friday evening.
Despite the relentless downpour, which lasted for hours, these farmers gathered to present their concerns to the Minority Caucus in Parliament, marking a dramatic end to the caucus’ week-long tour of cocoa-growing communities.
The farmers had assembled as early as 4:00 p.m. in anticipation of the visit, but the heavy rain, which showed no signs of letting up, left them exposed without shelter. Many farmers, undeterred by the storm, resorted to using plantain leaves for cover, their clothes soaked through, as they waited for the delegation to arrive.
Led by Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Minority Caucus was joined by Fred Kyei Asamoah, the Member of Parliament for the Offinso North constituency. The farmers greeted them with both enthusiasm and deep emotional frustration, reflecting the gravity of the challenges they have been facing in the cocoa sector.
The central issue raised by the farmers was the delayed payments for their cocoa harvests. Some farmers revealed they had not received payment for their cocoa since October, a situation that has exacerbated their financial struggles. The delayed payments have left many families on the brink, unable to meet their basic needs.
The farmers also expressed concerns over the drastic reduction in cocoa producer prices, which have made it increasingly difficult for them to maintain a livelihood from their harvests. Many farmers lamented that promises made by the government to improve conditions within the sector have not been fulfilled, leaving them to bear the brunt of poor policies.
Addressing the gathering, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh expressed solidarity with the farmers and assured them that their concerns would be taken directly to Parliament. He highlighted the importance of the caucus’ tour, emphasizing that it was not just a symbolic gesture but a commitment to raising the plight of cocoa farmers at the highest levels of government.
“The tour was about understanding your struggles firsthand, and we will not stop advocating for a fair and just cocoa sector,” Annoh-Dompreh told the farmers. He urged the farmers to remain hopeful, despite the difficult circumstances, as the Minority Caucus would continue to push for much-needed policy reforms.
He further criticized the alleged delays in payments through Licensed Buying Companies, which have left many farmers in financial limbo. Annoh-Dompreh called for greater transparency from the Ghana Cocoa Board, urging the government to publicly disclose details of payments made to purchasing clerks to ensure accountability and restore confidence in the system.
Source: metrotvonline.com
