Cocoa farmers are still waiting for the prosperity they were promised. But instead of higher incomes, they have been served excuses and deception.

That is the message from Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, the Ranking Member on the Committee on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, who says the government owes farmers answers, not apologies.

In a press statement on July 29, the Offinso South MP questioned how cocoa revenues, reportedly over $3 billion, have not translated into better prices for the country’s cocoa farmers.

“The government has told Ghanaians how much COCOBOD is owing. Can the same government also tell Ghanaians how much revenue cocoa sales have generated so far in the 2024/25 season as well? Is the amount over $3 billion, as we are hearing? Ghanaians need to know.”

Seven months into the new administration, the farm gate price for cocoa remains unchanged. Not a pesewa has been added to the current GH¢3,100 per bag.

This, Dr. Opoku argues, flies in the face of the NDC’s 2024 campaign promise to pay cocoa farmers at least GH¢6,000 per bag, or 70% of the world market price.

“Ghanaians have been asking whether the numerous campaign promises to pay cocoa farmers GH¢6,000 per bag were mere propaganda or lies just to win votes?” he said.

He accused the government of flooding farmers with excuses instead of action.

“Between January and now (July), at least seven excuses have been given to deceive farmers as to why the producer price cannot be adjusted upwards; One Month, One Excuse! Producer Price Baako, Excuses Bebree.”

According to him, the explanations have ranged from COCOBOD’s debt and rollover contracts to missing jute sacks and the high cost of swollen shoot disease control. He described the government’s approach as worrying and dishonest.

Dr. Opoku says farmers were led to expect a better deal. He recalled promises by both the COCOBOD Chief Executive and the President, who during a thank-you tour told farmers they would be “very very happy” with the new price.

Now, with just days to the announcement of the 2025/26 season price, those same farmers are demanding not only the promised GH¢6,000 per bag but also arrears of GH¢2,900 per bag dating from January to July.

“Is it not shocking to hear that COCOBOD staff are now clandestinely going round in an attempt to win undeserving sympathy from cocoa farmers to accept a potentially ridiculous price for the upcoming season and to cover up their failed campaign promises?” he asked.

Dr. Opoku insists it is time for the government to fulfil its own words.

“The time to honour their promises is long overdue. We urge government to pay the GH¢6,000/bag they constantly promised cocoa farmers, as well as all arrears due to farmers now.”