The Member of Parliament for Ofoase-Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, says the Minority in Parliament will continue to push for the welfare of cocoa farmers, no matter how long it takes.
Speaking during a meeting with farmers at Akyekrom in the Eastern Region, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said the struggle for fair treatment in the cocoa sector would not end anytime soon.
“We will fight for what is due to cocoa farmers, even if it takes years,” he told the gathering.
The engagement formed part of a wider tour by the Minority Caucus to listen to farmers and understand challenges on the ground.
The visit follows growing anger among cocoa farmers after a recent reduction in producer prices.
Government officials, including President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), have explained that lower global cocoa prices and financial pressures in the sector influenced the decision.
However, according to Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, farmers are bearing an excessive share of the burden
“Cocoa farmers are carrying too much of the burden, and that is something we will continue to challenge in Parliament,” he said.
During the meeting, several farmers complained about delays in receiving payment for their cocoa, despite public assurances that funds had been released.
Mr. Oppong Nkrumah said he had earlier met some of the farmers privately and returned with Minority colleagues to hear their concerns fully.
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“We came here to listen to you and to make sure your concerns are taken to the floor of Parliament,” he explained.
Some farmers also raised concerns about broader economic pressures, including difficulties in selling locally produced rice amid increased imports.
Hon. Oppong Nkrumah assured the farmers that the Minority’s efforts were not just for show.
“This is not a short-term engagement. We are committed to ensuring cocoa farmers are treated fairly,” he said.
He added that the Minority would continue to demand transparency and timely payments in the cocoa sector.
The Minority Caucus says it will extend its engagement to other cocoa-growing communities and keep pressing for policies that protect farmer incomes, insisting that cocoa farmers remain vital to Ghana’s economy.
I hope the Minority wont back off from fighting for us..