Grace Akosua Amoabeng, a member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) communications team, has described the recent reduction in cocoa producer prices as insensitive and urged the government to restore the previous rate.
Speaking with Lily Mohammed on GHToday on February 18, 2026, she highlighted the struggles cocoa farmers are facing, noting that the price cut from GH¢3,625 to about GH¢2,587 per bag is difficult for them to bear.
“The world market prices are not smiling at us and then the forex rate as well,” she said, acknowledging the economic challenges.
However, she argued that the government’s decision, taken after a cabinet meeting, has worsened the plight of farmers.
“Before they sell their cocoa, they already have a receipt of how much they are going to receive before they even get their money. So if you come back to them to tell them all their estimations that they did from last year, you are now going to reduce their price, how are they going to find their way around?” she questioned.
Grace Akosua Amoabeng also emphasized the high costs involved in cocoa farming, including paying labourers, transporting beans, drying, and providing security to prevent theft.
“The workload that goes into the planting and cultivating of cocoa farm is very huge. So if they calculate everything and you reduce the price, then it means the farmer is losing,” she explained.
She appealed to the government to at least maintain the producer price at GH¢3,100, the rate farmers were receiving in 2024.
“All the cocoa farmers are saying is, please bring back the cocoa price. If you are not going to give them GH¢3,625, just maintain them. Put them on GH¢3,100,” she pleaded.
She further warned that reducing the price could discourage young people from staying in cocoa farming and potentially push some into illegal mining activities.
“So just to give the farmers hope, they are pleading with you that please maintain the GH¢3,000 for them so that they can take care of their families,” she concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Abigail Praise Pabai
