New Cocoa Price Undermines Government Promise To Farmers - GCCP

The Ghana Civil Society Cocoa Platform (GCCP) wants the government to increase the cocoa producer price to a minimum of GHS 3,600 per 64-kg bag, citing that the recently announced GHS 3,228.75 falls short of expectations and does not reflect the government’s commitment to significantly improve cocoa farmers’ livelihoods. Speaking at a press conference in Accra, Co-Convenor Obed Owusu Addai expressed disappointment with the marginal increase, particularly in light of the Ghanaian cedi’s appreciation.

The gains from the cedi’s appreciation against the dollar are not being reflected in market prices. Farmers pay for goods in cedis, not dollars, so this dollar-based increment is misleading and unfair, he said. Mr. Addai urged the government and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to consider a mid-season price review, especially if global market prices continue to rise. He referenced a similar mid-term review two seasons ago, where prices were adjusted upward in response to favorable market conditions.

If we are to accept the GHS 3,228, then we need a clear commitment from the Minister that a mid-season review will be conducted, he added. The Platform emphasized the need for a pricing structure that ensures cocoa farmers receive a fair share of the industry’s growing value, urging transparency and consistency in government policy.

Source: Myjoyonline