A heated controversy has emerged over the recent cocoa price increment, as concerns continue to mount over the worsening economic conditions facing cocoa farmers.
Dennis Miracle Aboagye, a communicator for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), fiercely criticised the government’s handling of cocoa pricing, accusing it of delivering far less than promised and leaving farmers in a worse financial position.
Aboagye, speaking in reaction to the official announcement of the new cocoa producer price, lamented the steep decline in the real value of what farmers are receiving.
According to his analysis, the new rate of GH¢3,228.75 per bag falls far below expectations, especially when compared with the government’s earlier promise of GH¢6,000 per bag.
He drew comparisons between last year and this year to show how the value of cocoa income has eroded over time.
“A cocoa farmer who could buy 34 bags of cement with his 1 bag of cocoa money last year can only buy 27 bags today. The cocoa farmer could buy 3.4 packets of roofing sheets in 2024, but can only buy 1.6 packets in 2025. That cocoa farmer who could buy 424 pieces of 5-inch blocks in 2024 can only buy 375 pieces in 2025.
“How are our dear farmers supposed to build their homes. You promise them GHc6,000 and you deliver GHc3,228?? Sacrilegious! Our cocoa farmers deserve better, and the government must do something about it asap!”
Dennis Miracle Aboagye
Accordingly, he pointed out that the purchasing power of cocoa farmers has diminished even further.
These comparisons, Aboagye argued, illustrate how hollow the recent price increment is when considered in real terms.
He challenged the government’s claims of economic success, pointing out the contradiction between such declarations and the minimal financial returns being offered to farmers.
In his view, it is unjustifiable to present a thriving economy while granting cocoa farmers only a GH¢128 increase, which he believes leaves them even more financially burdened.
Aboagye further compared the purchasing power of cocoa income by pointing out that a farmer who could buy 68 tins of Milo in 2024 can now only afford 58 tins.
Likewise, a farmer who could buy 16 cartons of milk with cocoa earnings last year can only afford 13 cartons this year. These changes, he stressed, represent a significant setback for rural livelihoods.
Government Accused Of Betraying Cocoa Farmers
Dennis Aboagye intensified his criticism by accusing the government of violating the trust of cocoa farmers. He highlighted the emotional toll of unfulfilled promises, questioning how anyone could claim the farmers are better off under current conditions.
He referenced the initial pledge of GH¢6,000 per bag made in the government’s first budget, contrasting it sharply with the actual payment of GH¢3,228.75, which he argued has led to widespread disappointment and frustration among farmers.
Turning his attention to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Aboagye directed sharp criticism at its CEO, Randy Abbey. He accused him of deflecting from the core issue through what he called misleading public relations tactics.
“Randy Abbey should stop the plenty of explanations and simply deliver what they promised the farmers, GHc6,000, and cancel the paltry GHc3,228.75 they are attempting to impose on them.
“Hilarious part of Randy’s PR is how he is disingenuously quoting 16 cedis Abokyi rate to analyse the NPP period and using 10.25 BOG rate for his current scam of the farmers. Randy should use the current 13.5 Abokyi rate; let’s see something.”
Dennis Miracle Aboagye
In an emotional reflection, Aboagye pointed to the profound sense of betrayal experienced by cocoa farmers, emphasizing the emotional weight of their unmet expectations.
He highlighted how the trust they placed in government promises had been broken, leading to widespread disillusionment and heartbreak within the farming community.
Nonetheless, Aboagye expressed hope that the situation could still be rectified. He urged the government to heed the concerns of the farming community and revise the pricing decision. “I don’t think it’s too late for the government to do something about the cocoa price,” he said.
He concluded by advising against defending the current arrangement and instead called for greater responsiveness to the plight of the farming population.
He noted that while many may not have expected the GH¢6,000 promise to be fully met, the minimal increment of GH¢128 is simply unacceptable. “That’s scandalous… Fix it for our farmers, pls.”
As dissatisfaction grows among cocoa farmers, many observers now await the government’s next move. With political pressure building and the cost of living continuing to rise, the issue of cocoa pricing is quickly becoming a defining topic of public discourse.
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