Cocoa Farmers Frustrated with Politicization
Cocoa farmers in Ghana’s Assin Fosu District are urging the government to keep politics out of the cocoa sector, arguing that partisan interference is hindering fair pricing and industry stability. Award-winning farmer Samuel Tobi, with 36 acres across three farms including Otabil Nkwanta, highlighted how new governments swap experienced officials for political allies, disrupting cocoa management at COCOBOD.
Recent Price Hike Falls Short
The government’s recent producer price increase is welcomed but falls short of the promised 70% of Free-On-Board value, per Ghana News Agency. Tobi noted rising costs for labor and foodstuffs erode profits, stressing the need for Ghana cocoa fair prices that reflect farmers’ efforts.
Hand Pollination and Youth Involvement
To boost yields, farmers like Tobi emphasize hand pollination, which can double production but is challenging for aging growers—over 50 years old, with 60% men and 40% women. Cocoa Management System coordinator Ayiku Abdul Raman Tetteh explained training young pollinators, who work for negotiable fees, helps maintain productivity despite eyesight issues.
GIZ Support and Sector Sustainability
The German agency GIZ aids Ghana’s cocoa sector through training, sustainability promotion, and value chain improvements, partnering with COCOBOD to make production profitable. Tobi called for protecting cocoa from politics to ensure fair prices and stability.
The Ghana cocoa fair prices push highlights the need for non-partisan management. Stay tuned for more updates on cocoa sector reforms!
source: myjoyonline
