The Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyir, Honorable Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has assured cocoa farmers of his unwavering support towards their outburst following the recent reduction in cocoa prices. He concluded his three-day visit to cocoa farmers along with other members of the minority caucus.
During his visit, he emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the interests of the cocoa farmers and ensure their needs are met. Honorable Frank Annorh Dompreh visited some cocoa-growing communities in the Dormaa, Berekum, Sunyani East, and Wenchi Municipalities.
There, he engaged with the cocoa farmers as they shared their frustrations and displeasure with the cocoa price cut, which they believe is unfair and needs amendments. His engagements started from Krakom in the Dormaa West, followed by Asunu in the Dormaa Central, Alhajikrom in Dormaa East, and Berekum West as Gyamfikrom.
Farmers openly shared their worries over the reduced cocoa prices, delayed payments, and cost of production issues, particularly the increasing prices of fertilizers and agrochemicals, calling for urgent intervention. The cocoa farmers, according to Honorable Frank Annorh Dompreh, explain that they are enduring sufferings due to delayed payments and rising production costs.
The farmers reiterated that the situation has impacted their livelihoods, dependents, and farm production. This has led to hardships and an inability to adequately cater to the needs of their families. As part of his engagements, he also spoke on the radio station in Sunyani as part of broader efforts set out to address the wider populace.
He asserted that the mission of the delegation is to offer a listening ear to the aggrieved farmers and channel their issues to the respective decision-making bodies in charge to address their concerns, and also ensure that urgent steps are taken to resolve the issue. To him, ensuring the restoration of the previous pricing for cocoa and payment of their monies in arrears is a national movement rather than a tour.
He communicated his stance on holding the government accountable to ensure that cocoa farmers have their issues addressed accordingly and promptly. He asserted that the minority, New Patriotic Party (NPP), is concerned in the affairs of the farmers and also shares in their plight and is therefore calling on the leadership of the country to address the situation promptly.
The Member of Parliament reaffirmed the minority’s position on the cocoa issues, asserting that they will not relent until the farmers get what is due to them. To the minority, ensuring that the cocoa farmers are treated right is a priority, and they’ll ensure justice is served to the cocoa farmers.
He alleged that, although cocoa farmers are struggling, the National Democratic Congress is spending money monthly on party structures. To him, there is a deliberate neglect on the part of NDC to neglect the cocoa farmers, which should not be encouraged.
The Honorable Member of Parliament asserted that farmers play a crucial role in Ghana’s economy and therefore deserve to be treated better than they are currently. He opines that attention should be shifted towards the cocoa farmers.
engages cocoa farmers
NDC Urged To Prioritize The Cocoa Sector
Annoh-Dompreh entreated the NDC government to prioritize the cocoa production sector and ensure they restore the prices to the previous amount, and also pay their arrears. He said, “Redirecting resources to support livelihoods, rather than politically driven expenditures, is responsible path.
He emphasized on the need to strengthen policies and programs that directly benefit cocoa farmers, including improved access to fertilizers, pesticides and high-yield seedlings. He sated that timely financial support is imperative in helping the farmers to work effectively.
The visit to the Bono Region follows his earlier engagements with farmers in the Ahafo, Ashanti, and Eastern Regions, where he equally engaged with cocoa farmers on the same issues. This forms part of a nationwide movement set out to provide solutions to the plight of the cocoa farmers. The engagements are aimed at efforts to strengthen the ties between constituents and promoting inclusive development.
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