By Savannah Pokuaah Duah
Minister of Finance Designate, Ato Forson, has reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for cocoa farmers, stressing that their welfare is a top priority.
“I’ve done that in the last eight years, and I’ve fought for the cocoa farmer year in, year out. I will not change that,” he stated.
During his vetting on Monday, January 13, 2025, Ato Forson acknowledged the significant contribution of cocoa farmers to Ghana’s economy, recognizing that the cocoa sector has been the mainstay of the economy for years.
However, he expressed concern over the sector’s rapid decline, emphasizing the need for urgent action. “My concern, and I’ve always raised this concern, has to do with the fact that the sector is collapsing and dwindling at a very fast rate, in fact at exponential rate,” he added.
To address this issue, Ato Forson proposed a multifaceted approach, including reviewing the farm gate price and revamping the sector as a whole. He clarified that the Ghana Cocoa Board, currently under the Ministry of Agriculture, is not within his direct jurisdiction as Minister of Finance, unless there is a policy change. “So I do not have the sole power, prerogative, to announce cocoa price today,” he explained.
Despite this limitation, Ato Forson assured cocoa farmers that he will champion their cause and ensure they receive a fair price. “Obviously, as a minister, I’ll be the champion for cocoa farmers, and I’ll make sure that they get a fair price,” he pledged.
