PUBLISH PBC PAYMENT LIST TO PROVE CLAIMS- ANNOH-DOMPREH DARES GOVERNMENT Minority raises red flag over alleged cocoa payments, insists farmers yet to feel impact By:Justice Baffour- managing editor,www.dailywatchgh.com-0246930931 The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has mounted a strong challenge to the government, demanding the immediate publication of a detailed list of Produce Buying Companies (PBCs) allegedly paid for cocoa purchases. His call comes amid growing concerns from cocoa farmers who say they are yet to receive payments despite widespread claims that funds have been released through intermediaries. Addressing cocoa farmers during a Minority caucus tour at New Edubiase in the Ashanti Region on Thursday, March 19, 2026, Annoh-Dompreh questioned the credibility of government communications on the matter. He specifically called on President John Dramani Mahama and his administration to provide evidence to back their claims. “If indeed payments have been made to the PBCs, then government must come out and publish the list. Let Ghanaians see which companies have been paid and how much,” he stressed. According to him, reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that cocoa farmers have been paid through PBCs do not reflect the realities on the ground, describing such claims as misleading. The Minority Chief Whip warned that the lack of transparency risks deepening mistrust among farmers, many of whom are already grappling with financial hardship due to delayed payments. He further emphasized that accountability in the cocoa sector is non-negotiable, given its critical role in Ghana’s economy and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Mounting Pressure Over Cocoa Sector The Minority’s visit forms part of an ongoing regional tour aimed at engaging directly with cocoa farmers to assess challenges confronting the sector. At New Edubiase, several farmers reportedly expressed frustration over delays in payments and uncertainty surrounding cocoa pricing. Annoh-Dompreh assured the farmers that their concerns will be amplified both in Parliament and in the public space. He reiterated the Minority’s commitment to pushing for: Prompt and transparent payment systems Fair and competitive cocoa pricing Stronger oversight of PBC operations Pushback Against Political Attacks Touching on criticisms from some supporters of the ruling party on social media, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP dismissed the attacks as distractions. He maintained that such reactions would not deter the Minority from holding the government accountable and advocating for the welfare of cocoa farmers. “We will not be intimidated. Our duty is to speak for the ordinary farmer, and that is exactly what we will continue to do,” he asserted. Minority Vows Sustained Action The Minority caucus has pledged to sustain pressure on the government until cocoa farmers receive what they describe as their rightful earnings. They insist that beyond political rhetoric, concrete actions must be taken to restore confidence in the cocoa sector and ensure that farmers are paid promptly and fairly. As tensions mount, all eyes are now on the government to respond to the challenge by either publishing the requested PBC payment details or addressing the concerns raised by farmers across cocoa-growing regions.

Minority raises red flag over alleged cocoa payments, insists farmers yet to feel impact