A wave of anger is sweeping through cocoa-growing communities following the government’s decision to reduce the producer price of cocoa from GH¢3,650 to GH¢2,558 per bag. Many farmers say the move has shattered their confidence in President John Dramani Mahama and handed political momentum to Mahamudu Bawumia ahead of6 the 2028 general elections.
The reduction comes at a time when farmers are already complaining about delays in the purchase of cocoa beans and rising living costs. Critics argue that the decision7 contradicts earlier campaign promises by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to increase the cocoa price to GH¢6,500 per bag if voted into power.
Instead of an increase, farmers say they have been confronted with a sharp reduction, leaving many struggling to cope.
Bright Asante, a cocoa farmer from Asante Mampong, described the situation as au betrayal. “The NDC will lose the elections,” he said in an interview. “They promised us better prices, but now we cannot even afford basic necessities.”
Amelia Ennin, another farmer, expressed frustration and vowed political retaliation in 2028. “We will teach the NDC a severe lesson. They think we are fools. We want Bawumia to come and save us,” she stated.
Julie Acron also indicated that many farmers are reconsidering their political allegiance. “We will vote massively for Dr Bawumia in 2028 just as we voted massively for Mahama in 2024,” she noted.
Political analysts suggest that cocoa pricing remains a sensitive issue in Ghana’s electoral politics, particularly in cocoa-producing regions where livelihoods depend heavily on the crop. Any perceived policy misstep can significantly influence voter behaviour.
Whether the government will review the pricing decision remains to be seen. However, the growing dissatisfaction among farmers signals a potential political storm that could shape the dynamics of the 2028 presidential race.
COCOA PRICE CUT SPARKS OUTRAGE AS FARMERS VOW TO ABANDON NDC IN 2028
