Ntotroso: Cocoa Farmers at Ntotroso, a mining community in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region, have voiced concerns, urging the government to address issues affecting their livelihoods and ensure their continued participation in cocoa production.
According to Ghana News Agency, the farmers are calling for government intervention in response to the reduction of the cocoa producer price and delays in their payments. They describe these challenges as significant barriers that make cocoa farming increasingly unappealing in the region.
During an interaction with the Minority Caucus in Parliament, the farmers conveyed their frustrations. One farmer, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his predicament, stating that if conditions do not improve, he might abandon cocoa farming to return to the North for cattle rearing.
He highlighted his disappointment with the current government, saying, "I am a Grusi and John Mahama is a Gonja. I am unhappy about what he is doing to us and so please tell him to do something about our condition."
A female cocoa farmer shared her reliance on cocoa farming since her husband's passing 16 years ago, emphasizing that it has been her family's sole source of income. She expressed concerns about the government's lack of support, saying, "We are now struggling to provide for the needs of our families."
Mr. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Minority Chief Whip and MP for Nsawam Adoagyiri, assured the farmers that Parliament is committed to addressing their issues. He emphasized that the MPs would work diligently to ensure the farmers' concerns are heard and addressed.