As the government prepares to announce a new producer price for cocoa, the President of the Concerned Farmers Association, Nana Oboadie, has urged stakeholders to temper expectations, citing deep-rooted challenges facing the sector.
In an interview, Nana Oboadie expressed skepticism about the impact of the upcoming price review, warning that structural issues such as illegal mining (galamsey) and rampant smuggling continue to undermine the viability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
“Cocoa farming is no longer attractive. Even if the price is increased, it won’t make much difference because the real problems galamsey and smuggling remain unresolved,” he said.
The cocoa sector has seen significant disruptions in recent years, with illegal mining degrading farmlands and cross-border smuggling diverting beans away from the formal supply chain. These challenges, according to Nana Oboadie, have reduced production and weakened farmer confidence.
Meanwhile, expectations are high among cocoa farmers and sector stakeholders, especially following the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) 2024 campaign pledge to pay cocoa farmers at least 70% of the world market price.
The ruling government’s imminent announcement is seen as a test of its commitment to supporting the cocoa industry.
While the new price is expected to offer some relief to farmers amid rising input costs and inflation, analysts and farmer groups stress that without tackling the root causes of the sector’s decline, any financial gains may be short-lived.
The government is yet to confirm the exact date of the announcement. However, many within the sector are watching closely to see whether the new producer price will come with broader policy measures aimed at restoring growth and sustainability in Ghana’s cocoa industry.
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Source: www.kumasimail.com
