Cocoa farmers tell Mahama: “Akufo-Addo saved us during COVID, you have failed us”

Cocoa farmers in the Ashanti Region have openly criticised the government over declining producer prices and delayed payments, telling President John Dramani Mahama that they feel abandoned despite earlier support received under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the COVID-19 period.

The comments came during a visit by the Minority Caucus in Parliament to several cocoa-growing communities, including areas in Asante Akyem and Bosome Freho, as part of a tour to assess the impact of recent developments in the cocoa sector.

Led by Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the delegation engaged farmers in Atwima Mponua who voiced deep frustration over what they describe as worsening conditions in the industry.

“You supported us during COVID, but now we are suffering,” one farmer said, referencing policies introduced under Akufo-Addo’s administration.

“This government has failed us. The new price cannot sustain us. Some of us took loans to start cocoa farming, now the banks are chasing us”, another farmer stated.

Farmers repeatedly described the recent reduction in cocoa producer prices as harsh and insensitive, arguing that rising costs of inputs, labour and transportation have made cocoa farming increasingly unprofitable.

Others raised concerns about delayed payments, saying the situation has pushed many into debt, with some turning to alternative livelihoods, including illegal mining, to survive.

The Minority Caucus said the tour is aimed at gathering first-hand accounts to inform parliamentary action and push for a review of policies affecting the sector.

Annoh-Dompreh criticised the government’s handling of the cocoa industry, warning that continued neglect could undermine production and threaten livelihoods in key farming communities.

“This is not just about politics; it is about the survival of farmers and the future of Ghana’s cocoa sector,” he said.

Ghana remains the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa, but growing discontent among farmers is raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the industry, particularly as economic pressures mount in rural communities.