The Deputy Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry has dismissed the recent protest by cocoa farmers in Sehwi Wiawso as politically orchestrated, insisting it did not reflect the concerns of the broader farming community.

The demonstration followed a reduction in the producer price of cocoa from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag, a move that sparked anger among farmers in Sefwi Wiawso, Juaboso and Bia West.

During the march, protesters carried placards expressing frustration over the price adjustment, with slogans accusing government of betrayal and warning against cutting farmers’ earnings.

One banner controversially likened former President John Dramani Mahama to a public health threat. The demonstration drew attention to growing tensions within cocoa-growing communities.

Government officials, however, maintain that the price determination was based on global market realities.

At the start of the 2025/26 cocoa season, the international price of cocoa stood at approximately $7,200 per tonne. In line with a pledge to allocate 70 per cent of the world market price to farmers, the producer price was initially fixed at $5,040 per tonne, translating to GH¢3,625 per bag.

Speaking on Citi FM on February 19, 2026, the Member of Parliament for Bodi, Sampson Ahi, contended that the protest was driven by a small group of opposition supporters rather than genuine farmers.

“The supposed demonstration that took place in Sehwi Wiawso was just some mobilisation of a few NPP guys. They even bused people from Kumasi,” he alleged.

Mr Ahi emphasised that government remains willing to engage with legitimate cocoa farmers who have concerns about developments in the sector.

He said authorities are prepared to explain the pricing structure and ongoing reforms, expressing confidence that farmers would understand the broader economic context shaping the industry.