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Ghana’s cocoa output has decreased, and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) leader, Mr. John Dramani Mahama, has criticized the incumbent administration for it, citing rampant theft and poor management.
Speaking during a gathering with the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs as part of his campaign tour, Mr. Mahama questioned the way the government has been managing the cocoa business, emphasizing the effects on farmers and the stability of the sector’s finances.
Mr. Mahama cited the demise of important state institutions that flourished under his leadership and attributed them to incompetent leadership and financial mismanagement.
“Just look at the cocoa industry—they haven’t been able to manage it well.
He made reference to the GH₵3.4 billion budget for the cocoa sector in 2023 when he claimed, “The amounts of money they borrowed abroad were embezzled at the headquarters.”
The former president claimed that because of poor financial management, cocoa growers are underpaid, which has reduced output.
“When cocoa farmers are not well paid, they won’t be able to harvest the cocoa beans.
He said that the theft at the headquarters has decimated the cocoa sector and that farmers must understand the value of cocoa in order to care for it.
Additionally, Mr. Mahama bemoaned the Produce Buying Company’s (PBC) downfall, claiming that the organization was operating effectively under his leadership.
He said that the PBC’s downfall was partly caused by the present government’s excessive borrowing. He opposed this practice.
Due to the ongoing climatic issue, among other reasons, COCOBOD indicated earlier this year that cocoa output will be declining during the 2023–2024 harvest season.
But Mr. Mahama’s comments imply that one of the main causes of the industry’s problems is poor financial management.
Source: Ghanatodayonline.com
