Western North NPP Calls for Cocoa Price Increase to GH₵2,985 Per Bag

Western North NPP Calls for Cocoa Price Increase to GH₵2,985 Per Bag

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Western North Region has called on the government and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to immediately increase the farmgate price of cocoa from the current GH₵2,587 to GH₵2,985 per 64-kilogram bag.

The call was made by the party’s Western North Regional Communications Director, Harry Yaw Addo, popularly known as Ogyaba, who said the proposed adjustment would better reflect prevailing international cocoa prices and the increasing cost of production.

Speaking to Peace News, Mr. Addo argued that cocoa farmers deserve a price that corresponds with developments on the international market, particularly as global cocoa prices have reportedly remained between US$4,000 and US$6,000 per metric tonne.

According to him, the government’s commitment to paying cocoa farmers 70 percent of the Free On Board (FOB) price, together with prevailing exchange rates, suggests that farmers should be receiving about GH₵2,985 per 64kg bag, rather than the current GH₵2,587.

He therefore maintained that the current farmgate price does not adequately reflect the value of cocoa on the international market and called for an urgent review.

Rising Cost of Cocoa Farming

Mr. Addo also highlighted the increasing cost of cocoa production, noting that farmers are facing significant financial pressure due to rising prices of essential farm inputs and other household expenses.

He cited the cost of cutlasses, Wellington boots, fuel and building materials, among other necessities, as major challenges confronting cocoa farmers.

He further mentioned the increasing cost of tertiary education and nursing training as additional financial burdens on cocoa-producing families.

Warning Over Galamsey Threat

The NPP Regional Communications Director cautioned that failure to provide cocoa farmers with competitive returns could have serious consequences for the future of cocoa production.

He warned that frustrated farmers could be tempted to sell or lease their cocoa farms to illegal mining operators, particularly when they believe cocoa farming is no longer providing sufficient economic returns.

Mr. Addo therefore urged the government to take immediate steps to improve the income of cocoa farmers and make cocoa production more attractive.

Bawumia Government Would Prioritise Cocoa Farmers

Mr. Addo further assured cocoa farmers that a future administration led by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would prioritise their welfare.

He said such an administration would seek to restore the cocoa rehabilitation programme and ensure that farmers receive competitive prices for their produce, even when international cocoa prices experience significant declines.

The Western North NPP's call comes amid ongoing discussions over cocoa pricing, farmer welfare and the sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.

Source:Bibianinews.com/Kwame Kontor Boateng