ANNOH-DOMPREH BLASTS MAHAMA OVER COCOA CRISIS, URGES CONSULTATION WITH AKUFO-ADDO

ANNOH-DOMPREH BLASTS MAHAMA OVER COCOA CRISIS, URGES CONSULTATION WITH AKUFO-ADDO

Minority Chief Whip accuses government of poor economic management,demands reversal of cocoa price cuts and redirection of state spending to support struggling farmers

By:Justice Baffour- Awuah-managing editor,www.dailywatchgh.com-0246930931

The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has launched a sharp critique of President John Dramani Mahama’s handling of Ghana’s economy, calling on the President to seek counsel from former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo amid deepening concerns in the cocoa sector.

Speaking during an evening engagement with cocoa farmers in the Bekwai District, as part of the Minority Caucus’ ongoing tour of cocoa-growing communities in the Ashanti Region, Annoh-Dompreh expressed strong dissatisfaction with what he described as the government’s inability to stabilise the economy within a short period in office.

According to him, the current economic difficulties,particularly those affecting cocoa farmers,reflect a lack of effective leadership and policy direction. He argued that the situation demands humility and a willingness to consult experienced leaders, stressing that governance should be driven by results rather than political pride.
“It is not a shame to seek advice,” Annoh-Dompreh told the gathering. “At a time like this, when the economy is under pressure and farmers are suffering, leadership must be about solutions, not ego.”

He contrasted the current administration’s performance with that of the Akufo-Addo government, which he said managed to sustain the economy, pay public sector workers, and keep essential services running even at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,a period widely regarded as one of the most challenging in recent global history.

The Minority Chief Whip’s comments come against the backdrop of heightened political tension over developments in Ghana’s cocoa sector.

The opposition has consistently criticised the government over what it describes as a reduction in cocoa producer prices,often referred to as “haircuts”,as well as delays in releasing funds to Licensed Buying Companies and purchasing clerks.

According to the Minority, these challenges are compounding the hardship faced by cocoa farmers, many of whom rely almost entirely on cocoa production for their livelihoods. Farmers have reported declining incomes, rising input costs, and significant delays in receiving payments for their produce.

Annoh-Dompreh accused the government of failing to prioritise the welfare of farmers, warning that the Minority would intensify its advocacy until concrete measures are taken to address the situation.

“We will not be silent while our farmers suffer,” he declared.

“The ordinary Ghanaian farmer deserves better. We will continue to push for the reversal of these unfair price cuts and ensure that all outstanding payments are made.”

He further emphasised that the Minority’s ongoing tour is not merely political, but a deliberate effort to engage directly with farmers, understand their challenges firsthand, and amplify their concerns on the floor of Parliament.

The Bekwai engagement forms part of a broader nationwide outreach programme by the Minority Caucus, which began in the Eastern Region and has now extended to key cocoa-producing areas in the Ashanti Region.

The exercise involves late-evening community interactions, allowing MPs to hear directly from farmers about the realities on the ground.

Beyond pricing concerns

Annoh-Dompreh also took aim at what he described as misplaced government spending priorities. He called on President Mahama to return what he alleged are recently acquired “luxury jets” and redirect the resources towards supporting the cocoa sector.

“At a time when farmers cannot access funds and are struggling to survive, such expenditures are difficult to justify,” he said. “Government must realign its priorities to reflect the needs of the people.”

Ghana remains the world’s second-largest producer of cocoa, with the sector serving as a critical pillar of the economy. It contributes significantly to export earnings and supports millions of rural households.

However, persistent concerns over producer pricing, access to financing, and broader policy direction have intensified the national conversation on how best to sustain the industry and protect the livelihoods of farmers.

As the debate deepens, the Minority insists it will continue to hold the government accountable while advocating policies that ensure fairness, sustainability, and renewed confidence in Ghana’s cocoa sector.