Ghanaian cocoa farmers have warned that if the price of cocoa does not increase from GH660 a bag to GH1,500 for the 2022–2023 harvest, they will be compelled to abandon their crop.
The cost of living has reportedly reached an alarming level, and they have not been spared the harsh realities, according to the Obaatampa Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Union, Dormaaman Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Union, Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association (GNACOFA), Upper Dwira North Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Union, and WASSA Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Union.
They require the increase to avoid having to export their harvest from Ghana.
They also lamented the high cost of agricultural equipment, utility services, transportation, and many others, so we are urging the government to raise the price of cocoa for the farmers.
“Once more, the suffering that Ghanaian cocoa farmers are experiencing is intolerable, and if measures are not taken, the farmers’ situation will deter the majority of the nation’s youth from entering the farming industry, reducing the country’s cocoa production and lowering our country’s foreign exchange because cocoa is the foundation of Ghana’s economy.”
“One of the leaders, Yaa Asantewaa, remarked on Rainbow Radio 87.5Fm’s Nyankonton Mu Nsem that because the government is committed to assisting businesses in growing, why shouldn’t cocoa farmers receive the same assistance? Farmers of cocoa go to the same marketplaces as other people.
Therefore, for the 2022–2023 cocoa season, the price of cocoa should be increased to GHC 1,500; otherwise, they should give up on cocoa.