The Minority Caucus in Parliament has pledged to advocate for cocoa farmers to ensure they receive fair rewards for their labour and improved livelihoods.
The assurance was given during a visit to Osahene Kwaku Atekyi II, Paramount Chief of the Kukuom Traditional Area, and Nana Osei Kofi Abre II, Paramount Chief of the Kenyasi Number One Traditional Area, both in the Ahafo Region.
Speaking at the engagement, Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, underscored the caucus’ commitment to amplifying farmers’ concerns in Parliament while holding government accountable.
He explained that the outreach formed part of efforts to engage farmers directly, understand the challenges affecting their socio-economic wellbeing, and explore solutions to obstacles facing the cocoa sector.
Annoh-Dompreh stressed the importance of involving traditional authorities, describing them as key stakeholders in the cocoa value chain. He added that cocoa remains a pillar of Ghana’s economy and farmers must be treated equitably.
“Our visits are driven by growing concerns of cocoa farmers, nationwide in connection with the recent reduction in cocoa producer price and delays in payments of cocoa farmers,” he said.
At Kukuom, Osahene Atekyi raised similar concerns, noting that delayed payments have negatively impacted the livelihoods of many farmers and their families. He urged government to expedite payments, emphasising that prioritising farmers’ welfare is essential to sustaining cocoa production and ensuring the delivery of quality beans.
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