Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh has warned that recent reductions in cocoa producer prices are deepening the struggles of cocoa farmers and could trigger increased smuggling of cocoa beans across Ghana’s borders if urgent measures are not introduced.

In an open letter addressed to President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP painted a worrying picture of the conditions facing cocoa-growing communities, saying many farmers are already battling rising production costs, climate pressures and declining incomes.

According to him, the latest producer-price adjustment has only worsened the situation for thousands of smallholder farmers who depend heavily on cocoa farming to support their families.

“The recent reduction in the producer price of cocoa has imposed additional economic stress on smallholder farmers at a time of already heightened vulnerability,” he stated.

Annoh-Dompreh explained that many cocoa farmers are struggling to cope with the increasing cost of farm inputs, labour shortages and falling real incomes, warning that continued pressure on farmers could discourage cocoa production altogether.

“A downward adjustment in producer prices, without adequate compensatory measures, risks entrenching poverty within cocoa-growing communities and weakening incentives for sustainable production,” he warned.

Beyond the farms, the Minority Chief Whip said the issue carries serious implications for the national economy, stressing that cocoa remains one of Ghana’s most important exports and a major source of foreign exchange.

“Cocoa remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s foreign exchange earnings and rural employment base,” he stressed.

He cautioned that frustration among farmers could eventually drive some producers to smuggle cocoa beans to neighbouring countries, where they may receive better prices.

“Sustained farmer disaffection threatens productivity, encourages smuggling across borders, and undermines confidence in the state’s commitment to equitable burden-sharing during economic adjustment,” he said.

Annoh-Dompreh also turned attention to the struggles of Licensed Cocoa Buying Companies (LBCs), accusing the government of failing to provide the financial support needed to keep cocoa purchases running smoothly.

According to him, delays in the release of funds to the buying companies are creating serious liquidity challenges within the cocoa purchasing chain.

“It is also regrettable to note that even the adjusted price presented by the government has yet to be accompanied by releases to the Licensed Cocoa Buying Companies (LBCs), which are struggling with liquidity in their business,” he noted.

Annoh-Dompreh said the inability of the buying companies to finance purchases is ultimately hurting farmers, many of whom are unable to sell their produce on time.

“Since they are unable to engage their Purchasing Clerks to buy cocoa, the brunt of this chain reaction is felt by our vulnerable farmers,” he added.

He further criticised what he described as the government’s misplaced priorities, arguing that cocoa-growing communities appear neglected despite the sector’s importance to the country’s economy.

“Unfortunately, the posture of government and its relevant agencies to address this matter, coupled with other government actions such as the recent $10 billion injection in an attempt to stabilise the cedi, tells an unfortunate story of government priorities towards these farming communities,” he stated.

The Minority Chief Whip warned that if the producer-price reductions continue without support interventions, confidence in cocoa farming and agribusiness could decline significantly.

“Prolonged producer-price reductions risk eroding the viability of cocoa farming and general agribusiness,” he cautioned.

He has therefore called on President Mahama and the government to urgently introduce income-support measures to cushion cocoa farmers and protect livelihoods in cocoa-growing communities across the country.

NA/BAI

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