The Minister for Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has dismissed claims that the government has announced an increase in cocoa prices.
Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM’s Ekosii Sen, Mr. Opoku stated that no new price adjustments have been made, adding that such a decision would require proper consultations.
“We have not announced new cocoa prices. There is no way I would do so without the necessary discussions,” he emphasized.
He explained that the misunderstanding arose during a parliamentary session following discussions around the February 14 Chocolate Day celebrations.
“I was given the opportunity to clarify that in 2016, the NDC government allocated 66% of the Free on Board (FOB) price to farmers, provided free fertilizers, and developed cocoa roads and solar-powered boreholes in cocoa-growing areas. When combined, farmers received about 80% of the world market price,” he said.
Mr. Opoku further criticized the NPP government, stating that its financial decisions have made it difficult to allocate 70% of the cocoa price to farmers.
He maintained that his remarks were meant to highlight the economic challenges inherited from the previous administration, rather than announce a price increase.
He assured that the government will prioritize the needs of farmers regarding cocoa pricing.
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