NDC doesn’t respect cocoa farmers, this small increment is an insult to the farmers – Dr. Enoch Acheampong
Dr. Enoch Acheampong, a communicator for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has launched a scathing critique against the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government over what he describes as an “insultingly small” increment in the cocoa producer price.
Speaking on Kessben TV’s Adwenkyerɛ political talk show, Dr. Acheampong did not mince words, accusing the NDC of showing blatant disregard for the contributions and welfare of Ghana’s cocoa farmers.
“The small increment in cocoa price announced by this NDC government is a clear indication that they do not respect the Ghanaian farmer,” Dr. Acheampong said during the show. “This is not just a policy failure; it is a betrayal of the very people whose sweat and toil fuel our economy.”
The NDC government recently announced a marginal increase in the cocoa producer price from GHC3100 to GH₵3,228.75 as part of its broader agricultural sector adjustments. According to official communication, the increase is in response to both global cocoa market fluctuations and local fiscal constraints.
However, critics say the adjustment fails to reflect the realities on the ground, particularly rising input costs, inflation, and the devaluation of the cedi, which have significantly eroded farmers’ real income.
Dr. Acheampong emphasized that cocoa farmers expected more from a government that campaigned heavily on improving agricultural livelihoods. He pointed out that the announced increment is negligible when compared to the economic pressures farmers are currently facing.
He also compared the NDC’s recent action to the NPP’s track record in government, highlighting the party’s previous efforts to support cocoa farmers through higher producer prices, subsidized inputs, and farmer pension schemes.
Some cocoa farmer associations have expressed disappointment with the increment, echoing Dr. Acheampong’s sentiments. Others have urged the government to engage more with stakeholders before announcing future adjustments.
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