Communications Officer of the New Patriotic Party, Adjei-Worlanyo, has criticised the ruling National Democratic Congress over the reduction in cocoa producer price, describing it as insensitive and a betrayal of campaign promises to farmers.
He said the slash from GH¢3,625.00 per 64kg bag to GH¢2,587.00 for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season, following what government termed a reset of the cocoa pricing formula, exposed what he called “deceit” against farmers.
The reduction was announced on Thursday, February 12, 2026, by the Minister of Finance Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, who said the new producer price was GHS41,392 per tonne, equivalent to GHS2,587 per bag.
Adjei-Worlanyo stated that while in opposition, the NDC criticised the previous NPP administration for allegedly shortchanging cocoa farmers and promised to increase the price from GH¢3,100 to GH¢7,500 per bag ahead of the 2024 general election.
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He said farmers trusted those assurances, expanded their farms and invested resources in anticipation of improved returns under the new administration.
The NPP communicator further alleged that farmers had not been paid for cocoa supplied since November 2025 and described the price reduction, amid reported arrears, as unfair.
He noted that officials who once criticised the NPP’s pricing regime were now implementing the revised structure, arguing that the NDC would have condemned such a move if introduced by the previous government.
Adjei-Worlanyo called on the government to settle outstanding arrears and engage cocoa sector stakeholders to restore confidence.
Meanwhile, government officials cited global market conditions and liquidity challenges as reasons for the adjustment. Industry observers said fluctuations in international cocoa prices, exchange rate pressures and financing constraints continued to affect the Ghana Cocoa Board and the cocoa value chain.
The development has sparked debate in cocoa-growing communities, with some farmers worried about sustaining their livelihoods amid rising production costs.
Cocoa remains one of Ghana’s leading export commodities and a major source of foreign exchange, supporting thousands of households nationwide.
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Source:
mobile.ghanaweb.com
