The Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over delays in payments to cocoa farmers, despite a reduction in the producer price of the commodity.

Isaac Yaw Opoku, Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee, described the situation as unfair during a debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered by President John Dramani Mahama.

“They are finding all manner of reasons as to why they cannot pay the cocoa farmer. They promised GH₵6,000, but it turned out to be 419. They increased the price from GH₵31,000 to GH₵36,000, but they didn’t pay. Now they have slashed it to GH₵2,587, and even that, they are not paying,” Mr Opoku said.

He further noted that the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) owes Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) in excess of GH₵11 billion.

“So if you are paying GH₵1 million every month, it is going to take over one year for all the farmers to be paid,” he added.

The Minority’s statement comes after the government announced the release of GH₵855 million to settle arrears owed to cocoa farmers. However, according to the caucus, farmers have yet to receive the funds.

Cocoa remains one of Ghana’s key export commodities, and delays in payments have significant implications for farmers’ livelihoods, especially as the country navigates challenges in global commodity prices and inflationary pressures.

The Minority is urging the government to expedite payments to farmers and ensure transparency in disbursing cocoa revenues, warning that prolonged delays could undermine trust in COCOBOD and the wider cocoa sector.

The issue has reignited calls for more efficient management of cocoa pricing, disbursement of funds, and support for farmers who are vital to Ghana’s economy.