By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Some farmers across cocoa-growing communities have threatened to send their produce to neighboring countries if government does not reverse the 21% increase in the farm gate price announced on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.
A bag of cocoa previously selling for GH¢660 in Ghana will now be sold at GH¢800 for the 2022/2023 cocoa crop season, representing a 21% increase.
Some farmers however say this is woefully inadequate compared to neighboring Ivory Coast, which is pegged at about ¢858 for the same season.
In an interview, President of the Concerned Farmers Association, Nana Oboadie Boateng Bonsu said they are unhappy with the new rates and demand a further price adjustment.
“The government has put in some effort, but this is not enough for us. We were expecting about GH¢1,500 so that we could at least have about GH¢250 for welfare and GH¢1250 in the farmer’s pocket.”
“How can the cocoa farmers decide on a price and then government sit elsewhere and quote its price without consulting us? There was no dialogue whatsoever. Our farmers are threatening to smuggle their produce to neighboring countries if there is no further increment in the price.” Nana Boateng Bonsu reiterated.
The government says the new pricing regime is expected to take effect Friday, October 7, 2022.
