Cocoa farmers across parts of the Ashanti Region have expressed deep anger over recent reductions in cocoa prices, using strong and provocative messages during engagements with the Minority Caucus to register their dissatisfaction with government policies affecting the sector.
During meetings held in several cocoa-growing communities, farmers displayed placards bearing bold inscriptions such as “Yegye yen sika” (we are demanding our money) and “Aban no Adaadaa Yen” (the government has deceived us), alongside other emotionally charged statements reflecting their frustration.
The protests formed part of interactions with the Minority Caucus, which has been touring cocoa-producing areas to engage farmers on challenges confronting the industry.
The tour, led by Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has seen Members of Parliament engage directly with farmers across the Ashanti Region, following similar visits to the Eastern Region.
The initiative is aimed at gathering first-hand information on the impact of cocoa price adjustments, delayed payments, and rising production costs on farmers’ livelihoods.
At Sekyere East and other communities visited, farmers described the price reduction as insensitive, noting that it has significantly affected their income and their ability to sustain their farms.
Many indicated that they had not been paid for their produce for months, worsening their financial situation and deepening hardship in their households.
Some farmers also expressed disappointment over what they described as unfulfilled promises made prior to the elections, suggesting that their confidence in the government had been shaken.
While their comments reflected strong emotions, they also underscored broader concerns about the future of Ghana’s cocoa sector and the welfare of those who depend on it.
The Minority Caucus has indicated that concerns gathered from the tour will be presented before the Parliament of Ghana to push for policy reforms.
According to the MPs, the objective of the tour is to amplify the voices of farmers and ensure their grievances are addressed through appropriate legislative and policy interventions.
The developments in the Ashanti Region highlight growing tensions within the cocoa sector, which remains a key pillar of Ghana’s economy.
