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The Cocoa Farmers Cooperative Association is pressing for higher farm gate prices, threatening to withhold the sale of their cocoa beans to the government.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), on behalf of the government, declared that for the duration of the 2023–2024 cocoa season, the producer price of cocoa will rise by 58.26%, from 1,308ghc to 2,070ghc per 64kg.
According to a press release from the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), the decision was made following a review of the cocoa producer price for the remainder of the 2023–2024 crop year by the Ghanaian government, in consultation with relevant parties.
“The Producer Price of cocoa has been increased by 58.26% from GH¢20,928 per tonne to GH¢33,120.00 per tonne for the rest of the 2023/24 cocoa season. This figure translates into GH¢2,070 per bag of 64 kg gross weight and takes effect from Friday, 5th April 2024.
“The increase in the producer price of cocoa has become necessary to enhance the income of cocoa farmers in line with the vision of the NPP government and in response to the rising prices of cocoa on the international market,” the statement added.
However, Kwame Ansah Ofori expressed disgust over COCOBOD officials’ fat salaries while cocoa farmers suffer in an interview with Isaac Osei Akoto (Kanu), President of the Cocoa Farmers’ Cooperative Association, on Otec FM Dwaberem show.
“I dare say that the COCOBOD officers have no concern for the cocoa farmer. You can only imagine how enormous the salary and income of COCOBOD’s chief executive officer, his deputies, and directors are. But we are powerless to gripe.I believe a revolution is needed, one that looks at holding onto our cocoa and either not selling it to COCOBOD any more, or holding on for a long time before we bargain for a price increase.
Similar to how doctors and teachers go on strike and then get their demands met, Mr. Ofori said.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
