The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has alleged that the government has directed Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to suspend cocoa purchases across Ghana, a development he says is causing distress among cocoa farmers.
According to Mr Annoh-Dompreh, the directive has left many farmers unable to sell their produce at a time when they are already grappling with a reduction in producer prices.
He made the claim on Sunday during a visit to Offinso in the Ashanti Region, where he said the alleged suspension signals a lack of support for farmers who form the backbone of the country’s cocoa industry.
“The government has directed Licensed Buying Companies to suspend cocoa purchases nationwide, causing distress among Ghanaian cocoa farmers, while Ivory Coast continues buying activities,” he said.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh made the remarks when a delegation of the Minority Caucus in Parliament paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Offinso Traditional Area, Nana Dwamena Akenten II, during the celebration of the Akwasidae Festival.
The visit formed part of a five-day tour by the Minority Caucus to cocoa-producing communities in the Ashanti Region. The tour, led by Mr Annoh-Dompreh, aims to engage farmers and understand their concerns following the recent reduction in cocoa producer prices.
Before beginning the tour, the delegation sought the blessing of the caretaker of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene, in accordance with traditional protocol.
Mr Annoh-Dompreh, a member of the opposition New Patriotic Party, argued that the alleged decision to suspend cocoa purchases could worsen the financial strain on farmers.
He noted that although fluctuations in international cocoa prices are common, Ghana has historically relied on systems that help cushion farmers from the full impact of market changes.
According to him, the current administration led by the National Democratic Congress has failed to effectively use those mechanisms to protect farmers.
“The reactions from farmers show they are unhappy and uncomfortable with the price cut,” he added.
Despite his criticism, Mr Annoh-Dompreh said the tour of cocoa communities is not meant to be confrontational but rather to engage farmers and better understand the challenges they face.
Meanwhile, Nana Dwamena Akenten II welcomed the delegation and commended their decision to interact directly with cocoa farmers.
He emphasised the importance of farmers to the country’s cocoa economy and called on policymakers to pay closer attention to their concerns.
“The cocoa price cut has hit us hard because I am a cocoa farmer myself. It is good you have come to hear the farmers’ concerns firsthand,” the chief said.
However, he cautioned the visiting lawmakers to ensure their engagement with farmers is not driven by political motives.
On behalf of the Asantehene, the Offinso chief granted the delegation permission to proceed with their tour of cocoa-growing communities in the region.