Farmers' Disappointment Over Marginal Price Increase
Cocoa farmers in Ghana have expressed deep frustration over the government's failure to deliver on its promise of significantly increasing cocoa prices. During the 2024 election campaign, President John Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) made a bold commitment to raise the price of a bag of cocoa to GHS6,000. However, shortly after taking office, the government announced an increase of only GHS128.75 per bag, bringing the total to GHS3,228.75. This fall far short of the promised GHS6,000, leading to widespread disappointment among farmers.
The previous administration, led by Akufo-Addo, had inherited a cocoa price of GHS475 per bag in 2017 and managed to raise it to GHS3,100 by the time they left office. The gap between the current price and the promised GHS6,000 stands at GHS2,771.25, a significant disparity that has left many farmers feeling betrayed.
Electoral Promises vs. Reality
During the 2024 general elections, the NDC capitalized on the unpopularity of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and used the promise of higher cocoa prices as a key campaign strategy. They argued that the previous government had failed to ensure fair returns for farmers despite rising global cocoa prices. This rhetoric resonated with many voters, particularly in cocoa-producing regions, where farmers were eager for change.
However, once in power, the NDC faced the reality of financial constraints. The CEO of the Ghana Cocoa Board, Dr. Randy Abbey, highlighted the severe financial challenges the board inherited, including mounting debts that limited its ability to act swiftly. Despite these challenges, farmers expected a more substantial increase, not just a modest adjustment.
Social Media Outcry
The announcement of the marginal price increase sparked an immediate backlash from cocoa farmers, who took to social media to express their anger and frustration. One farmer from Kukodei in the Ashanti Region posted a message stating he was ready to return the GHS128.75 to the government. He even suggested establishing an "Ato Forson Foundation" to which he could donate the money, emphasizing his inability to survive on such a small amount.
Another farmer demonstrated his disappointment by smashing cocoa beans on the ground, symbolizing his dissatisfaction with the minimal increase. He lamented that while the government profits from exporting premium cocoa, farmers are left with little to show for their labor. His post also revealed that he had received threats from ruling party officials, highlighting the growing tension between farmers and the government.
Selling Farms to Miners
Some farmers have taken drastic steps, threatening to sell their farms to illegal miners. One farmer shared how selling part of his land to miners had provided him with enough money to build a house. He noted that cocoa farming no longer offers the same returns, making illegal mining a more attractive option. In a social media post, he was seen cutting down cocoa trees to make way for miners, declaring that the government cannot stop them from taking over his land.
In another incident, a group of farmers gathered at a cocoa farm to curse the government for failing to honor its promises. The spokesman of the group vowed that the curse would remain until the government fulfilled its commitment to farmers. He also criticized the rising costs of essential farming inputs like cutlasses, wellington boots, and insecticides, which are becoming increasingly unaffordable.
Decline of Cocoa Production
The sale of cocoa farms to illegal miners is on the rise, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry. If this trend continues, it could threaten the supply of Ghana’s premium cocoa to chocolate producers worldwide. The decline in cocoa production has been attributed to factors such as disease, illegal mining, and climate change. In February 2024, the Ghana Cocoa Board revised its crop forecast downward by 40%, signaling a worrying shift in the sector.
Gold Rush and Environmental Impact
While cocoa faces challenges, Ghana has experienced a surge in gold mining activities, driven by high global gold prices and economic hardship. The term "Galamsey" refers to informal, often illegal, small-scale gold mining that has become widespread in the country. This practice has caused severe environmental damage, including deforestation, water pollution, and the loss of farmland.
Despite the negative impact, the government appears to be prioritizing gold over cocoa. The establishment of a new Gold Board to regulate the purchase and export of gold mined by illegal miners has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to curbing illegal mining. With gold prices on the rise, the sector has become a major contributor to Ghana’s economy, accounting for a significant portion of national exports.
Conclusion
The situation highlights a growing imbalance between the government’s priorities and the needs of cocoa farmers. While gold has become a lucrative alternative, the neglect of the cocoa sector threatens the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. As the country grapples with these challenges, the need for a balanced approach that supports both environmental sustainability and the interests of smallholder farmers becomes increasingly urgent.