Akroforo: Mr Stevis Kwame Owusu, a visually impaired cocoa farmer from Akroforo in the Berekum Municipality of the Bono Region, has criticized the government, describing it as 'insensitive' to the challenges faced by cocoa farmers.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Owusu has appealed for parliamentary intervention to ensure the government pays all outstanding arrears to cocoa farmers. He emphasized the need for enhanced support to sustain their livelihoods and maintain their involvement in the cocoa industry. Mr Owusu voiced his concerns during a visit by the Minority Caucus in Parliament, who engaged with the cocoa farmers in the region.
Mr Owusu expressed his frustrations, highlighting his inability to afford medical bills, pay his children's school fees, and provide for his family's upkeep due to the government's failure to compensate cocoa farmers. He lamented that his family's primary source of income, an inherited cocoa farm, has been severely affected, leading to economic hardships.
In response to the concerns raised by Mr Owusu and other farmers, Mr Ayeh Asafo-Adjei, the Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho and leader of the caucus delegation, assured the farmers that their grievances would be addressed. He committed to advocating for government action to settle the arrears owed to the farmers.
Mr Asafo-Adjei urged the farmers to remain patient and reassured them of the MPs' commitment to improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers across the country. He emphasized the importance of listening to the farmers' concerns and pushing the government to alleviate their difficulties.