The National Coordinator for Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Association, Mr Issifu Issaka has questioned the parameters on which cocoa price was increased.
The Government of Ghana, in consultation with stakeholders, reviewed the Producer Price of cocoa for the rest of the 2023/24 crop year.
According to the Ghana Cocoa Board, the Producer Price of cocoa has been increased by 58.26% from GH¢20,928 per tonne to GH¢33,120.00 per tonne for the rest of the 2023/24 cocoa season.
The above figure which took effect on Friday, 5th April 2024, Cocoa Board explained translates into GH¢2,070 per bag of 64 kg gross weight.
“The increase in the producer price of cocoa has become necessary to enhance the income of cocoa farmers in line with the vision of the NPP government and in response to the rising prices of cocoa on the international market,” it stated.
It added that,”The welfare of cocoa farmers is dear to the heart of His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana. It is for this reason that since the NPP government assumed office in 2017, the producer price of cocoa has been increased by 336% from GH¢7,600 per tonne in the 2016/17 cocoa season to an unprecedented level of GH¢33,120 per tonne for the rest of the 2023/24 cocoa season.”
Read Also: GPCC urges EC to always go ahead of politicians in communication
Speaking on Atinka TV’s morning show with Ama Gyenfa, Mr Issifu Issaka said government had some questions to answer despite the increment.
“What farmers do not understand is that on what basis was the amount raised to 2070. If it has been raised and farmers do not understand, or do not know what considerations that were made then, we cannot fully accept it,” he said.
He said even though cocoa price on the international market was very high, farmers here in Ghana are receiving little for their cocoa.
He also complained that the cost of production was high, citing fuel price, cocoa beans, transportation amongst others.
Meanwhile, Mr Issifu Issaka also complained that galamsey is one of the major things that challenged growing of cocoa in Ghana due to pollution.
He called on Government to help address the challenges to enable farmers to produce more.
Ghana| Atinkaonline.com| Porcia Oforiwaa Ofori
