The Minority Caucus in Parliament has urged the government to halt plans to purchase a new presidential jet and four helicopters, citing the ongoing crisis in the cocoa sector.
Their concerns follow an article by the Executive Secretary to President John Dramani Mahama, which indicated that Ghana is expected to acquire additional aircraft for presidential travel by November 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s aviation capacity.
However, the Minority argues that the plan represents a misplaced priority at a time when cocoa farmers are struggling due to delayed payments and reduced producer prices.
The Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP and Minority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, made the remarks at Asante Akyem Ofoase, where members of the caucus engaged cocoa farmers over what they described as a “price haircut.”
He questioned why cocoa farmers, who play a vital role in the country’s economy, are facing hardship while the government considers purchasing new aircraft.
“If you can borrow money to buy a jet but can’t borrow to pay cocoa farmers, then during election time, the jet will go and vote for you,” he said.
He criticised the government for neglecting farmers, saying it has failed to deliver on its campaign promises.
Mr. Annoh-Dompreh stated that the reduction in cocoa prices and delays in payment have dealt a significant blow to hardworking cocoa farmers across the country.
He also pledged the caucus’ commitment to mounting pressure on the government to address the challenges facing cocoa farmers.
Meanwhile, Isaac Yaw Opoku, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, alleged that the government may further reduce the cocoa producer price.
He urged cocoa farmers to stand up and demand fair treatment, describing the recent 28.6 percent reduction in the producer price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag as unfair.
“Based on our information, the government is planning another cocoa price cut. I am calling on all farmers to stand up against this unfair treatment,” he said.
During the interaction, some aggrieved cocoa farmers in Dannso and Asante Akyem Ofoase — cocoa-growing communities in the Bosome Freho and Asante Akyem South districts of the Ashanti Region — opposed the government’s recent reduction in the cocoa producer price, describing it as unfair and harmful to their livelihoods.
According to the farmers, the price cut by the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government reflects neglect of their welfare.
They argued that the new price barely covers production costs due to rising expenses for labour, fertiliser and transportation.
The farmers also expressed frustration over the current cocoa crisis, including delayed payments and the price reduction, which they say contradict the government’s pre-election assurances in 2024.
They hinted at plans to stage a picketing protest if the government fails to reverse the cocoa price reduction.
“We are appealing to the Minority Caucus in Parliament to help us engage the government to restore the old price since they represent us in Parliament,” they said.
The Minority Caucus has begun a five-day tour of cocoa-growing communities in the Ashanti Region to discuss the recent cocoa price reduction with farmers.
The delegation, led by Minority Chief Whip and Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh, includes Isaac Yaw Opoku, Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee and MP for Offinso South; Patricia Appiah Agyei, Deputy Minority Leader and MP for Asokwa; Nana Asafo Agyei Ayeh, MP for Bosome Freho; Seth Osei Akoto, MP for Atwima Mponua; Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam, MP for Afigya Kwabre South; and Dr. Ayew Afriyie, MP for Effiduase-Asokore.
