Sunyani: Nana Oboadie Boateng Bonsu II, the President of the Concerned Farmers Association of Ghana, has voiced his concerns over the ongoing politicization of the country's cocoa sector. He emphasized that political meddling is obstructing necessary reforms within the sector and urged politicians to refrain from interfering in the affairs of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to facilitate the required transformation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Nana Bonsu, during an interview in Sunyani, expressed his worries about the recent cocoa producer price cuts. He highlighted that political interference often leads to corruption, which has contributed to the sector's mounting debt and lack of accountability. He questioned the procurement process for jute bags worth millions of US dollars by COCOBOD, raising doubts about their existence and availability.
Nana Bonsu pointed out that such interferences and other issues have exacerbated the challenges facing the sector. He emphasized that allowing competent individuals to manage the cocoa sector without political interference would help restore order and reduce corruption. He called on the government to investigate the debt and alleged mismanagement at COCOBOD and to prosecute those responsible to deter similar actions in the future.
The president of the association lamented that farmers are the most adversely affected by the sector's challenges. Despite their sacrifices, energy, and resources, farmers often do not reap significant benefits from cocoa production. He urged for increased transparency and accountability at COCOBOD and asked the government to include the cocoa sector in its national reset agenda, as it is crucial for the country's economic development.
Furthermore, Nana Bonsu encouraged COCOBOD to maintain regular engagement with farmer groups to address emerging challenges within the sector.