The Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, Dorcas Dorghadzi-Dorani Animli Godwin, was conspicuously absent from a cocoa forum held on Thursday to address pressing concerns of farmers within the constituency.

Despite being formally notified of the engagement, the MP reportedly prioritised other commitments over the meeting.

His absence was particularly notable, as several of his parliamentary colleagues travelled significant distances to honour the invitation and engage with the local farming community.

Farmers Express Frustration

The atmosphere at the forum was marked by disappointment, with several farmers openly criticising their representative’s lack of engagement.

Some went as far as threatening to vote him out in the next parliamentary elections.

Concerns Over Price Volatility

Raymond Attakora, a 46-year-old farmer from New Akrofuom, voiced frustration over the lack of communication regarding recent market developments.

“The price of cocoa has been slashed from GH₵ 3,600 to GH₵ 2,500 without a clear justification. It is disheartening that our MP chose to ignore a meeting meant to provide us with these essential explanations,” he lamented.

Allegations of Broken Promises

Awuradwoa Acheampongmaa, a farmer from Anwiaso, was moved to tears while addressing the gathering, expressing a sense of betrayal over current agricultural policies.

“I voted for the NDC in 2024 because I believed the promises of higher cocoa prices. Today, I feel that, along with many other farmers across Ghana, we have been shortchanged by the Mahama government,” she stated.

Minority MPs Vow Support

In contrast to the MP’s absence, members of the Minority used the platform to reassure the community of their continued support.

Nana Ayew Afriyie emphasised that the Minority remains deeply concerned about the welfare of cocoa farmers and criticised what he described as neglect by the sitting MP and the current administration.

“We will not abandon you in these challenging times. While it is clear many regret their recent political choices, there is an opportunity for redemption in 2028. We must vote for leadership that protects our livelihoods and the cocoa sector,” he said.

Michael Kwasi Aidoo and Isaac Yaw Opoku also addressed the gathering, attributing the government’s failure to ensure fair compensation for farmers to what they described as “incompetent management” of the sector.