Cocoa farmers in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region have staged a demonstration against the government over the reduction in cocoa producer prices and the delay in payment for beans purchased over the past three months.
The aggrieved farmers are demanding immediate cash payment, describing the situation as unbearable.
The protest follows a downward review of the cocoa price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag for the 2025/2026 crop season.
The farmers argue that the sharp reduction has worsened their finances.
“At a time when the cost of living continues to rise, the new price does not reflect the sacrifices and rising production costs we endure,” they lamented.
Government officials have attributed the price cut to falling global cocoa prices and liquidity challenges facing the sector.
However, the framers insist that the explanation is unacceptable, maintaining that they should not bear the brunt of market fluctuations.
“The delay in payments since November 2025 has left us unable to cater for basic needs such as healthcare, children’s school fees and farm maintenance,” some said.
Addressing the media during the protest, some farmers warned that if their concerns are not addressed promptly, they would be compelled to handover their cocoa farms to illegal small-scale miners, popularly known as galamsey operators, who are ready to offer them immediate cash.
The farmers in their demonstration petitioned the District Chief executive for Atwima Mponua.
The petition was presented by Nana Frimpong Manso, Chief Farmer of Nyinahin, and received on behalf of the District Chief Executive by the District Coordinating Director which he assured them their concerns will get to the President.
The Member of Parliament for Atwima Mponua and Deputy Ranking Member on the Agric Committee, Seth Osei Akoto was also petitioned.
He expressed concern over the farmers’ plight and urged the government to settle the outstanding three months’ payments without further delay.
He also called for broader consultations on cocoa pricing to protect farmers’ livelihoods.
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