The Ghana National Association of Cocoa Farmers has welcomed the government’s decision to reduce the producer price of cocoa, describing it as a necessary and responsible measure under current economic conditions.
The association maintains that although the adjustment will have immediate implications for farmer incomes, it reflects the realities confronting the cocoa sector and is intended to protect its long term stability.
According to the Association’s President, Stephenson Anane Boateng, the decision was not taken lightly but must be understood within the broader context of liquidity constraints and developments on the international cocoa market. He noted that sustaining the industry requires difficult but prudent decisions to ensure that obligations to farmers can be met and that the sector remains competitive.
He further indicated that farmers recognise the importance of safeguarding the financial health of the Ghana Cocoa Board, which plays a central role in marketing and regulating cocoa production in Ghana.
The Association’s position comes at a time when many farmers are concerned about the impact of the price reduction on their livelihoods. However, leadership of the group has emphasised the need for unity and cooperation with government to navigate the current challenges and preserve the long term interests of cocoa producers across the country.
Addressing the matter publicly, President John Dramani Mahama expressed empathy for Ghanaians affected by the producer price adjustment. He acknowledged that the decision has financial consequences for farming households but stressed that the measures were driven by prevailing economic realities. In a personal reflection, he stated that he is also a cocoa farmer and therefore directly affected by the reduction, underscoring his understanding of the sacrifices required.
President Mahama explained that fluctuations in global commodity prices and fiscal pressures within the sector necessitate careful management to prevent deeper instability. He assured farmers that the government remains committed to strengthening the cocoa industry, improving transparency and ensuring that policies adopted today will secure a more resilient and sustainable future for producers.
While the price reduction has sparked debate among some stakeholders, the endorsement by the Ghana National Association of Cocoa Farmers signals support from a key stakeholder group within the industry.
Both the Association and the President have framed the decision as a difficult but necessary step aimed at stabilising one of Ghana’s most important export sectors and protecting its long term viability.
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