Dennis Miracles Aboagye, an aide to former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has issued a passionate appeal to the government to honour its campaign promises to cocoa farmers by offering them fair compensation for their labour.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Wednesday, August 6, Mr Aboagye criticised what he described as political rhetoric and shifting figures, urging authorities to focus on the welfare of the farmers.
“This is a plea. I beg you, these farmers struggle, they suffer, they bleed before they can give us the cocoa,” he said. “
Give them what it is that you promised them. Forget about NPP,” he added, calling for a non-partisan approach to farmers’ welfare.
The new rate of US$5,040 per tonne, representing a 62.58% rise from the previous price of US$3,100, is set to take effect on Thursday, August 7, with the opening of the new cocoa season.
The increase was approved by the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC), chaired by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and is said to reflect 70% of the gross Free-On-Board (FOB) value of US$7,200 per tonne.
However, the Minority in Parliament has described the newly announced producer price of GH₵3,228.75 per bag as “ridiculous, unfair and completely unacceptable.”
They argue that despite the improved FOB value compared to the previous administration’s US$4,850 per tonne, farmers are receiving a marginally higher share, yet still face economic hardship.
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Source: myjoyonline.com
