Aggrieved cocoa farmers in the Ahafo Ano North District of the Ashanti Region have rejected an invitation to meet officials of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), choosing instead to engage with the Minority caucus in Parliament over concerns about declining cocoa prices.
According to the farmers, the NDC had scheduled a meeting with them on Tuesday—the same day the Minority Caucus of Parliament had also arranged an interaction. Faced with the clash, the farmers decided to attend the Minority’s meeting, citing frustration with recent developments in the cocoa sector.
Tensions heightened when the NDC reportedly mounted tents directly opposite the venue of the Minority’s engagement at Bonkrom. The move, farmers say, created uneasiness among community members and contributed to their decision to boycott the NDC meeting.
Speaking to journalists during the Minority’s visit, several farmers expressed anger over what they described as a sharp reduction in cocoa prices. They questioned the timing of the NDC’s outreach, arguing that government should have consulted them before taking such a critical decision.
“They have no regard for us. How can you reduce the price drastically and then decide to meet us? What exactly are you going to tell us?” one farmer lamented.
Another farmer added that the lack of prior engagement shows disregard for their welfare. “If the government had any respect for farmers, they would have involved us before the price adjustment. None of that happened, so why now?” he asked.
The situation prompted a heavy security presence at Bonkrom to maintain calm as hundreds of farmers gathered for the Minority’s engagement.
The Minority used the meeting as part of its outreach to cocoa-growing communities, aiming to gather firsthand concerns and advocate for improved policies to support farmers’ livelihoods.
Meanwhile, critics—including Frank Annoh-Dompreh—have called on government to prioritize the welfare of farmers to sustain productivity in the cocoa sector. The concerns form part of broader opposition criticism over government policies and their impact on ordinary Ghanaians.
Government has yet to formally respond to the farmers’ grievances and the growing calls for policy review.
Story by: Afia Nhyira (0247220948) | Follow our social media handles @uktvghana | DM us for Ads on our website or any of our socials
