The Minority in Parliament has expressed concern over delays in payments to cocoa farmers, despite the recent reduction in the producer price of cocoa.
Isaac Yaw Opoku, the Ranking Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, described the situation as unfair while contributing to the debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) presented by President John Dramani Mahama.
He argued that farmers should not be struggling to receive their payments, especially at a time when the price offered for cocoa has already been reduced.
“They are finding all manner of reasons as to why they cannot pay the cocoa farmer. They promised GH₵6,000, but it turned out to be 419. They increased the price from GH₵31,000 to GH₵36,000, but they didn’t pay. Now they have slashed it to GH₵2,587, and even that, they are not paying,” Mr Opoku said.
He further noted that the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) owes Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) in excess of GH₵11 billion.
“So if you are paying GH₵1 million every month, it is going to take over one year for all the farmers to be paid,” he added.
The Minority’s concerns come after the government announced that GH₵855 million had been released to clear arrears owed to cocoa farmers.
However, the caucus says many farmers have yet to receive the payments.
Cocoa remains one of Ghana’s most important export commodities, and delays in payments can seriously affect farmers’ livelihoods, particularly at a time when the country is grappling with fluctuating global commodity prices and rising inflation.
The Minority is therefore calling on the government to fast-track payments and ensure transparency in the disbursement of cocoa revenues.
According to them, prolonged delays could weaken farmers’ confidence in COCOBOD and the broader cocoa sector.
The situation has also renewed calls for more efficient management of cocoa pricing, timely payment systems, and stronger support for farmers who play a critical role in Ghana’s economy.
