The Ranking Member of Parliament’s Economy Committee and MP for Ofoase/Ayirebi, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has accused the government of misleading cocoa farmers.
He claims that the recent hike in the producer price of cocoa is more political optics than meaningful economic relief.
His criticism follows the government’s announcement of a significant increase in the producer price of cocoa from US$3,100 to US$5,040 per tonne for the 2025/2026 season, representing a 62.58% jump in dollar terms.
The new price, approved by the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC), chaired by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, takes effect from Thursday, August 7.
Dr. Forson praised the move, saying, “It is instructive to note that the Government has by this decision increased the producer price significantly by 62.58% in US dollar terms.”
But Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, speaking in an interview, dismissed the announcement as misleading.
He argued that the actual increase farmers will receive in local currency is negligible, with the price per bag rising by only GH¢128 from GH¢3,100 to GH¢3,228.
“The cocoa farmer doesn’t care about the FOB price the government quotes. What matters is how much they get per bag and an extra GH¢128 is an insult,” he said.
Oppong Nkrumah further accused the ruling government of reneging on its promises.
He pointed out that while in opposition, the NDC pledged a producer price of GH¢S6,000 per tonne, a promise that has not materialised.
“If they had kept their word, today we would be talking about a drop from GH¢6,000 to GH¢3,228. Does anyone believe that’s progress? It’s pure deception,” he stated bluntly.
He went on to accuse the government of using inflated dollar-based figures to create a false impression of progress, without actually improving the lives of cocoa farmers.
“They’re resorting to technical gymnastics, quoting FOB prices and percentages instead of delivering even a modest 5%, 10%, or 15% increase in the real farmgate price. In all humility, I submit that this government has scammed the Ghanaian cocoa farmer. What they promised before coming into power is a far cry from what they are delivering today,” he stressed.
