SoNA Protest: Minority stands with struggling cocoa farmers – Annoh-Dompreh

Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has defended the Minority Caucus’ decision to stage a symbolic protest during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SoNA), saying the action was intended to show solidarity with cocoa farmers affected by the recent cut in producer prices.

Parliamentary proceedings took an unusual turn moments before President John Dramani Mahama began delivering his address, as Minority Members of Parliament rose from their seats dressed in black and wearing sashes inscribed with: “Cocoa Akuafo Yayɛ Mɔbɔ Dodo.”

The MPs also displayed cocoa pods to highlight what they described as the worsening plight of farmers in the sector.

Explaining the rationale behind the protest in a Facebook post on Saturday, 28 February, Frank Annoh-Dompreh said the gesture was deliberate and aimed at sending a strong message of support to cocoa farmers.

According to him, the action was intended to draw attention to the growing hardship, uncertainty, and declining incomes confronting farmers, despite the government’s assurances of economic progress.

“State of the Nation Address by President John Dramani Mahama was met by the Minority with a symbolic cocoa pod not as drama, but as solidarity with cocoa farmers whose livelihoods have been battered by the government’s decision to cut producer prices. The gesture was a clear message that while government speaks of progress, farmers on the ground are experiencing hardship, uncertainty, and declining incomes,” he said.

The protest follows the government’s recent announcement of a downward review of the cocoa producer price to GH¢41,392 per tonne, equivalent to GH¢2,587 per bag, for the remainder of the 2025/26 crop season.