Minority to Petition Asantehene Over Government’s Cocoa Price Cut

The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annor Dompreh, has announced plans to petition the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, over the government’s controversial reduction in cocoa prices.

This announcement follows an intense visit to cocoa farming communities in the Ahafo Region, where local farmers expressed their frustration over the government’s decision, which has severely impacted their livelihoods.

During his visit to the Tano North, Asutifi North, and Asutifi South districts, Dompreh warned that if the government, under President John Dramani Mahama, fails to address the farmers’ grievances, the Minority would formally request the Asantehene’s intervention. According to Dompreh, the intervention of the Asantehene is crucial in alleviating the financial hardships faced by farmers, who have not only experienced a significant price cut but also unpaid deliveries.

“Without action, this administration will have shown that they do not truly care for the cocoa farmers, despite all the promises made during the 2024 election campaign,” Dompreh stated.

The reduction in cocoa prices and the failure of the government to make timely payments has caused widespread distress among farmers. In interviews with Adom News, local farmers Lydia Kyeremeh and Keep Adu described the situation as dire, highlighting how the financial strain is affecting their ability to support their families, particularly those with children in tertiary institutions.

“This decision has made it impossible to provide for our children’s education,” said Kyeremeh, a mother of two. “We are barely able to make ends meet.”

The Minority Chief Whip criticized President Mahama for his inability to properly manage cocoa affairs despite his years of leadership. He emphasized that the government’s neglect could have far-reaching consequences, not just for the cocoa sector, but for the entire economy that relies heavily on cocoa exports.

Dompreh vowed that the Minority will continue to pressure the government to revise its stance on the cocoa price cuts. He further noted that if the intervention from the Asantehene proves ineffective, the Minority will consider other measures to ensure the plight of cocoa farmers is addressed.

“The farmers have suffered long enough, and if the government fails to act, the Minority will continue to lead the fight for their rights,” Dompreh added.