The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has announced plans for his next government to establish cocoa processing factories in cocoa-growing regions across the country.
This initiative is part of a broader policy aimed at revitalizing what he describes as an ‘ailing’ cocoa industry.
Mr. Mahama envisions that the processing of cocoa beans within these regions will significantly enhance earnings derived from cocoa cultivation.
Emphasizing the potential benefits, he noted, “We want to build factories in cocoa-growing areas. The white man is able to earn more than five times our earnings after processing the cocoa.”
The announcement was made during the final town hall meeting held in the Bia East District of the Western North Region. Throughout these meetings, concerns raised by cocoa farmers in the cocoa-growing areas have been a focal point of discussion.
Cocoa farming, a critical contributor to both employment and the national economy, has faced challenges, including the government’s struggle to secure a syndicated loan of $800 million for the industry.
Mr. Mahama expressed particular worry about the deteriorating performance of the Produce Buying Company (PBC) under the current government.
Reflecting on the historical significance of PBC, Mr. Mahama stated, “From the days of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Produce Buying Company has been working. In my time as President, the company did well. They were making profit. Now, workers have not been paid for six months. It should tell you that the company has collapsed. Others are buying the cocoa beans as I speak but PBC isn’t able to buy”.
“When we were in power, PBC was buying it’s own trucks but today the trucks are not working. We will revive the industry” he added.
The proposed policies and initiatives discussed during the tour are expected to be detailed in the NDC’s manifesto for the upcoming 2024 elections.