Ghanaian cocoa farmers receive $47 more than Ivory Coast – COCOBOD

The Ghana Cocoa Board’s (COCOBOD) public relations officer has countered criticism from the minority in Parliament by praising the Akufo-Addo government’s achievements in the cocoa sector.

Fiifi Boafo used a 58% increase in the cocoa producer price as evidence in a Citi TV interview to defend the government against claims that it is underpaying cocoa farmers.

With the exception of 2023, he emphasized, Ghanaian cocoa farmers have continuously received higher payments than their Ivory Coast counterparts for the previous seven years.

Displacing the narrative that the government is defrauding farmers, Boafo claimed that Ghanaian cocoa farmers receive $47 more than their Ivorian counterparts, refuting claims of exploitation.

In response to criticism that the Ivorian model was being replicated, Boafo defended the government’s strategy, saying that implementing tactics that work shouldn’t be interpreted as misconduct.

He stated, “Last year [2023] due to the exchange rate, the Ivorians’ price got better than Ghana’s. But the government in the last 7 years, with the exception of last year [2023] has paid better price to cocoa farmers as compared to the Ivorian counterparts.”

Boafo highlighted the need for long-term sustainability in cocoa production when he attributed Ghana’s lower production levels than Ivory Coast to factors like treating infested farms, swelling shoot disease, and unfavorable weather.

Boafo also addressed claims of smuggling cocoa, emphasizing that the main point of smuggling is not the Ivory Coast but rather the border with Togo.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com