Akim Swedru Member of Parliament (MP) Hon. Kennedy Osei Nyarko has taken aim at the John Dramani Mahama-led administration over what he describes as a betrayal of cocoa farmers.
His criticism follows the government’s recent announcement of a cocoa producer price increase from GHS 3,100 to GHS 3,328 for the 2025/26 season – far below the GH¢6,000 per bag he says was promised during the 2024 election campaign.
The legislator, who has been vocal on agricultural issues, expressed disappointment, accusing the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government of shortchanging the country’s cocoa farmers.
According to him, the new price adjustment not only falls short of the campaign promise but also reflects a lack of seriousness in dealing with the sector’s real challenges.
“During the last election, the NDC campaigned vigorously, making lofty promises to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers by increasing the price per bag to GHS 6,000.
“But now, instead of delivering on that promise, they’ve raised the price by a mere GHS 228. This is deeply disappointing”
Hon. Kennedy Osei Nyarko, Akim Swedru MP
His comments have intensified public scrutiny of the Mahama administration’s agricultural policy, especially in light of previous criticisms aimed at former governments for what were deemed insufficient cocoa price increments.
The MP insisted that the current rise does little to address the broader economic pressures on farmers, who continue to grapple with climate-related challenges and volatile global cocoa markets.
Hon. Osei Nyarko warned that the credibility of political commitments hinges on the government’s ability to translate campaign promises into tangible outcomes.
“The government has failed to take the necessary steps to adequately address the issues affecting our cocoa farmers. Their promises were nothing more than political rhetoric. Farmers deserve better”
Hon. Kennedy Osei Nyarko, Akim Swedru MP
His remarks echoed frustrations that have built up in farming communities, where expectations were raised during the campaign period with the NDC’s assurance of a far more generous producer price.
Stakeholders argue that the increment of GHS 228 does not match the soaring cost of farm inputs, transportation, and the broader inflationary environment in rural Ghana.
Ahiagbah Joins the Fray
The critique from Osei Nyarko was bolstered by comments from New Patriotic Party (NPP) Director of Communications, Richard Ahiagbah. He questioned the integrity of President Mahama’s pledge to cocoa farmers and labelled the new producer price as a betrayal.
“Mr. President, what is happening here? Is GHS 3,228 the very, very good price you promised cocoa farmers? This cannot be it,” he stated.
He also reminded the President that during the campaign, he discredited the previous government’s GHS 3,000 per bag as insufficient and insisted farmers deserved at least double that amount.
“Respectfully, Sir, GHS 3,228 per bag is a betrayal of the trust of our hardworking cocoa farmers. This is a heartbreaking violation of your promise and the expectations of farmers across the country”
Richard Ahiagbah, NPP Director of Communications
Ahiagbah further urged cocoa farmers not to accept what he called a betrayal, stirring more conversation about the political will behind agricultural reforms.
The latest backlash comes at a time when Ghana’s cocoa sector is contending with serious difficulties – from declining productivity to the effects of erratic rainfall and disease outbreaks.
In this context, both Hon. Osei Nyarko and Ahiagbah’s statements appear to resonate with a broader constituency of farmers and observers who feel sidelined in the decision-making process.
The Ministry of Food and Agriculture, as well as COCOBOD, are yet to issue any formal response to the mounting criticism.
Meanwhile, farmer associations and opposition figures continue to debate whether the modest price increment reflects good governance or a deepening disconnect between the state and rural stakeholders.
READ MORE: Ex-Israeli Security Officials Urge Trump To Help End War In Gaza
