The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has led members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament on a tour of cocoa-growing communities in the Eastern Region.
The visit comes in response to the government’s recent reduction in cocoa producer prices, a decision that has sparked concern among farmers and drawn strong criticism from the Minority.
Government officials have justified the adjustment by pointing to declining global cocoa prices, stating that the decision aligns with prevailing international market conditions.
However, Mr Annoh-Dompreh and his colleagues argue that the move unfairly burdens farmers, who are already grappling with rising input costs and economic hardship.
During engagements with cocoa farmers, the Minority Chief Whip described the reduction as a “rip-off” and insisted that producers should not bear the full impact of global price fluctuations. He suggested that the government should consider offering a bailout to cushion farmers and protect the cocoa sector.
Accompanying Mr Annoh-Dompreh on the tour were Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Isaac Yaw Opoku, Michael Aidoo, Seth Osei-Akoto, Samuel Awuku, Ida Adjoa Asiedu, Laurette Korkor Asante, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Charles Asuako Owiredu, Alexander Agyare, Davis Opoku Ansah, Gideon Boako, and Rudolf Amoako-Gyampah.
The Minority Caucus reiterated its commitment to advocating for policies that protect cocoa farmers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.
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