Houston: The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has indicated that he may petition the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, over the government's decision to reduce cocoa prices. His comments come after a tour of cocoa-growing communities in the Ahafo Region, where he engaged farmers who expressed strong dissatisfaction over the price cuts and delays in payments, which they say are worsening their economic hardships.
According to Ghana Web, during visits to Tano North, Asutifi North, and Asutifi South, Annoh-Dompreh warned that if the government under John Dramani Mahama does not address the concerns raised, the Minority will not hesitate to seek the intervention of the Asantehene to help resolve the matter. The farmers painted a bleak picture of their situation, explaining that the combination of lower cocoa prices and delayed payments is making it increasingly difficult to meet basic needs, including household expenses and school fees for their children.
Annoh-Dompreh criticised the government's management of the cocoa sector, cautioning that continued neglect could have broader consequences for the national economy, given cocoa's crucial role in Ghana's export earnings. He further assured that the Minority will maintain pressure on the authorities to reconsider the pricing decision, stressing that they will explore additional measures if necessary to ensure cocoa farmers' concerns are properly addressed.