Former Minister for Food and Agriculture and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer hopeful, Dr Bryan Acheampong, has criticised the Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration for what he describes as a failure to prioritise the welfare of cocoa farmers, despite the sector’s critical role in supporting Ghana’s economy.

Dr Acheampong argued that although cocoa revenues remain a major source of national income, farmers have not benefited as promised under the current administration.

He pointed to the government’s unfulfilled campaign pledges to strengthen the cocoa sector, citing the absence of significant increases in producer prices and delays in payments to farmers since November 2025.

Speaking to NPP delegates as part of his flagbearer campaign, he urged party members to support his leadership bid, assuring them of his commitment to reforming and revitalising the cocoa industry if given the mandate.

Reflecting on his tenure as Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr Acheampong said he took bold decisions to improve cocoa pricing, even in the face of strong criticism at the time.

“When I was Minister for Food and Agriculture, I increased cocoa prices and was criticised for it. Today, those in charge have done very little, and cocoa farmers have been misled,” he stated.