Reverend John Ntim Fordjour, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, has accused the Mahama administration of deceiving Ghana’s cocoa farmers with what he terms false promises and unfair pricing strategies.
Speaking on recent developments in the cocoa sector, the Assin South MP said many cocoa farmers feel betrayed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for failing to deliver on bold pricing commitments made prior to the 2024 elections.
“Cocoa farmers are highly disappointed in the deception of NDC and President Mahama’s government,” he stated.
Unfulfilled Promises of GH₵6,500 and GH₵7,200
According to Rev Ntim Fordjour, the NDC had assured farmers in 2024 that they deserved GH₵6,500 per bag of cocoa, a significant leap from the GH₵3,100 being paid under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration at the time.
“They later promised to pay GH₵7,200 per bag in 2025,” he added, describing the pledge as politically motivated and misleading.
Current Price a Far Cry from Campaign Rhetoric
The Assin South MP expressed disappointment that the current producer price stands at only GH₵3,228 per bag, calling it a paltry figure that contradicts the NDC’s earlier rhetoric.
“Today, cocoa farmers are shortchanged with paltry GH₵3,228 per bag,” he lamented.
Rev Fordjour contended that the stark difference between the promised and actual prices reveals inconsistencies in the NDC’s approach to farmer welfare.
Call for Transparency and Fair Treatment
He called on the government to be more transparent and to treat cocoa farmers with fairness, noting that the sector remains a backbone of Ghana’s economy.
“You cannot promise farmers heaven and deliver dust. These are hardworking Ghanaians who deserve honesty, not exploitation,” he remarked.
Background: Cocoa Sector Under Scrutiny
The issue of cocoa pricing has become a major political topic in Ghana, especially amid global cocoa shortages and rising international prices. Both major political parties have made strong commitments to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers, but criticisms over delivery continue to mount.
