The Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has led members of the Minority Caucus in Parliament on a tour of cocoa-growing communities in the Eastern Region.
The visit follows the government’s recent reduction in cocoa producer prices, a decision that has generated concern among farmers and attracted strong criticism from the Minority.
Government officials have attributed the price adjustment to declining global cocoa prices, maintaining that the decision reflects prevailing international market conditions.
However, Mr Annoh-Dompreh and his colleagues argue that the move places an undue burden on farmers who are already contending with rising input costs and economic hardship.
During engagements with cocoa farmers, the Minority Chief Whip described the reduction as a “rip-off” and insisted that producers should not shoulder the full impact of global price fluctuations.
He contended that instead of reducing the producer price, the government should consider offering a bailout to cushion farmers and safeguard the cocoa sector.
Accompanying Mr Annoh-Dompreh on the tour are Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Isaac Yaw Opoku, Michael Aidoo, Seth Osei-Akoto, Samuel Awuku, Ida Adjoa Asiedu, Laurette Korkor Asante, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, Charles Asuako Owiredu, Alexander Agyare, Davis Opoku Ansah, Gideon Boako and Rudolf Amoako-Gyampah.
The Minority Caucus maintains that it will continue to advocate policies that protect cocoa farmers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the industry.