The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Fiifi Boafo, has defended the Akufo-Addo government against accusations of shortchanging cocoa farmers, despite a 58% increase in the producer price for cocoa.
Boafo highlighted that Ghanaian cocoa farmers have consistently received higher payments than their Ivorian counterparts over the past seven years, except 2023.
He refuted claims of exploitation, pointing out that Ghanaian cocoa farmers receive $47 more than those in Cote d’Ivoire, challenging the narrative that the government is cheating farmers.
Addressing criticism of replicating the Ivorian model, Boafo defended the government’s approach, stating that replicating successful strategies should not be misconstrued as wrongdoing.
“The difference between how much Ghana is paying cocoa farmers, and the Ivorians are paying cocoa farmers, we’re paying $47 more to our Ghanaian farmers compared to Ivorian farmers. And the people who told us to replicate what the Ivorians have done, now say that what we have done is wrong and we are cheating the cocoa farmers. If I’m asked to do something someone is doing and I do the same, do you accuse me of doing the wrong thing, no,” Boafo said.
Regarding lower production levels in Ghana compared to Cote d’Ivoire, Boafo attributed this to various factors such as the treatment of infested farms, swollen shoot disease and adverse weather conditions.
He emphasized that these actions are necessary for long-term sustainability in cocoa production.
Boafo also addressed allegations of cocoa smuggling, clarifying that the major smuggling point is at the Togo border, not the Ivory Coast.
The statement comes amidst criticism from Ghanaian cocoa farmers, who argue that the increase in the producer price of cocoa beans is not enough, considering the significant rise in global cocoa prices.
The Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association, led by President Stephenson Anane Boateng, has called for a much higher farmgate price for the farmers themselves, pointing to the significant rise in global cocoa prices.
The association argues that the increase in the producer price of cocoa beans is simply not enough, considering the significant rise in global cocoa prices. He further points to the significant rise in global cocoa prices and argues that the increase in the producer price of cocoa beans is simply not enough, considering its significant rise in global cocoa prices.