The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has announced plans to embark on a nationwide tour of cocoa-growing communities to engage farmers on the new producer price and the challenges confronting the sector.

Speaking in an interview on Ekosii Sen on Asempa FM, Mr. Opoku said cocoa-related matters are regularly discussed at Cabinet level and that government is fully aware of farmers’ concerns.

He noted that although global cocoa prices have declined, government is making efforts to manage the situation and ensure farmers are protected.

The Minister expressed confidence that once the issues are properly explained, farmers will better appreciate government’s position.

Mr. Opoku also disclosed that government is considering submitting a bill to Parliament of Ghana to allow for automatic price adjustments that would directly benefit cocoa farmers.

“Whenever a cocoa issue arises, I am involved in the discussions at Cabinet. We urge all farmers to recognise that we are all part of this situation. I plan to tour cocoa-growing areas and, if permitted, I believe I can complete the exercise within a month.

“Once I explain the situation to them, I am confident they will understand. Additionally, we intend to present a bill to Parliament to provide for automatic adjustments that will benefit the farmers,” he said.