Accra: The Communications Officer of the Akan New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Frank Adjei-Worlanyo, has criticized the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government for its announcement of a new cocoa price of GHS3,228.00 per 64kg bag, labeling it as a political deceit.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Adjei-Worlanyo recalled that during the 2024 election campaign, Mr. Cassiel Ato Forson, now the Minister of Finance, accused the then NPP government of underpaying cocoa farmers with GHS3,100.00 per 64kg bag, instead of the proposed GHS6,000.00. The opposition party at the time promised farmers a more equitable price of GHS6,000.00 per 64kg bag if elected.
The NPP Communications Officer highlighted that this promise had a significant impact, spreading rapidly among cocoa-growing regions and mobilizing farmers who felt neglected. Many farmers shifted their electoral support to the NDC, motivated by the belief that their financial situation would improve.
In a release copied to the Ghana News Agency following the new price announcement, Mr. Adjei-Worlanyo pointed out that the announced price of GHS3,228.00 per bag is only slightly higher than the NPP's previous price, and significantly lower than the GHS6,000.00 promised. This discrepancy has left cocoa farmers feeling betrayed by the unfulfilled political pledge.
Mr. Adjei-Worlanyo emphasized the critical role of cocoa farming in Ghana's economy, contributing approximately 3.5% to the GDP and about 25% of export revenue. He noted that the government's struggle to honor its electoral promises is a recurring issue.
He urged the NDC leadership to remember that political power is derived from the people and should be exercised with accountability and humility. He pointed out that the cocoa pricing issue exemplifies the broader challenges facing the NDC government and the need to align political promises with actual delivery, especially as the 2028 elections approach.
Mr. Adjei-Worlanyo concluded by stating that Ghana's future progress hinges on renewing the social contract with honesty and accountability, beginning with the cocoa farmers whose efforts have significantly contributed to the nation's development.
