‘Cocoa farmers should not bear the full burden of systemic and historical failures’ – Catholic Bishops

The Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference has expressed concern about the worsening situation in Ghana’s cocoa industry, cautioning that payment delays and lower producer prices are driving farmers into financial difficulties and distress.

The bishops urged immediate action to avert additional economic and social consequences in rural areas.

Farmers have been enduring hardships for months because of unpaid cocoa supplies, and the problem has worsened due to recent cuts in the producer price.

“For months, many farmers have endured payment delays, resulting in unpaid labour, disrupted schooling, mounting debt, and growing vulnerability to illegal mining,” the Conference stated.

“During years of windfall gains, producer prices were not raised proportionately. Farmers should not bear the full burden of systemic and historical failures,” the statement said.

The bishops stressed that Ghana’s cocoa farmers should not bear the brunt of structural and historical shortcomings in the sector.

“Equity and justice demand that accumulated surpluses from profitable years be used to support farmers in difficult times. Penalising them for circumstances beyond their control is morally indefensible,” they said.

The statement additionally emphasized Ghana’s diminishing stance in the worldwide cocoa market, as Ecuador, Nigeria, and Cameroon rise as major contenders.

Climate pressure and land deterioration due to illegal mining were mentioned as further risks to productivity and sustainability.

Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, the Conference President, urged for prompt settlement of arrears, clear financial restructuring, and funding for youth and research initiatives.

“The rescue of Ghana’s cocoa industry is a moral duty. Justice for cocoa farmers is justice for Ghana,” he emphasised.

Read the full statement below:

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com