Member of the New Democratic Congress (NDC) Communications Team, Hamza Suhuyini Esq., says the NDC government will not entertain calls for a reduction in cocoa prices, insisting that cocoa farmers deserve fair treatment and timely payment.
Speaking on GHToday with Lily Mohammed on Monday, February 9, 2026, Suhuyini said he strongly opposed any move to cut cocoa prices, describing the situation as difficult for both farmers and the government.
“I will never agree to the reduction of price. I’m the son of a cocoa farmer,” he said, adding that the challenges confronting the cocoa sector must be addressed with urgency.
Suhuyini acknowledged that the NDC administration inherited liabilities and structural challenges from the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government, but stressed that this did not absolve the current government of responsibility. “Whatever the liabilities we inherited, whatever the challenges that we inherited from the previous NPP administration, it is our duty and responsibility now as a government to ensure that we write a story that is promising [and] fulfilling,” he said.
He noted that the cocoa sector was no exception to this responsibility, explaining that engagements with cocoa farmers revealed deep frustration over their current conditions. According to him, the government had no excuse to delay action.
“Their frustrations are palpable. We have no excuse whatsoever as a government than to quickly move into action to try to alleviate the plight of our innocent cocoa farmers,” Suhuyini stated.
He welcomed remarks by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr Randy Abbey, who acknowledged the need to respond to the legitimate demands of cocoa farmers.
Suhuyini said farmers had fulfilled their part by supplying cocoa beans and therefore deserved to be paid. “It is the responsibility of this government to ensure that they are paid,” he said.
He added that the NDC government was not engaging cocoa farmers in verbal exchanges but recognised their concerns and entitlement. “We are not in a banter of words with farmers because we understand that they deserve to be paid,” he said.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Barbara Yeboah
