A concerned civil society group, the Forum for Accountability and Development of Sefwi (FADOS), has petitioned the Ghana Police Service in the Western North Region over a planned demonstration to protest delays in payments to cocoa farmers.
In the petition, FADOS stated that the demonstration is intended to draw national attention to the hardships cocoa farmers have endured due to payment delays that have persisted for over three months.
According to the group, the situation has severely affected farmers’ livelihoods, leaving many unable to meet basic household needs, service financial obligations, or adequately prepare for the next farming season.
FADOS noted that cocoa farming remains the economic backbone of many communities in the Western North Region, stressing that payment delays have far-reaching consequences, including disruptions to children’s education and local economic activities.
Addressing the Regional Police Command, the group assured the Police Service of its commitment to a peaceful and lawful demonstration in accordance with the Public Order Act. It also requested police protection before, during, and after the protest to ensure public safety and maintain order.
The group further called on the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and other relevant authorities to urgently intervene and release the outstanding payments to alleviate the suffering of cocoa farmers across the region.
