Ashanti Region: Cocoa farmers cut down trees for rice farming over “insufficient” price hike
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Some Cocoa farmers in parts of Ashanti Region, have taken drastic measures in response to their dissatisfaction with the recent cocoa price adjustment.
Frustrated by the insufficient price increment, the farmers have begun cutting down their cocoa trees to make way for rice farms.
Farmers at Prabon, Afigya Kwabre North district, one of the regions cocoa producing community said they are leaving cocoa farming for a more productive farm work.
According to the farmers, the new price of GHC 3,228.75 per bag of cocoa, which includes an increment of GHC 128.75, is not enough to sustain their livelihoods.
They claim that President John Mahama had promised to increase the price to GHC 6,000 per bag during his campaign, and the current price falls short of their expectations.
In an interview with Angel OTEC News Reporter Kwame Agyenim Boateng News Reporter on Monday August 11,2025 , the farmers expressed their discontent, stating that rice, maize, and cassava farming are more profitable than cocoa.
They warned the government that if the cocoa price is not reviewed further, they will continue to abandon cocoa farming for more lucrative ventures.
The farmers’ actions have raised concerns about the future of cocoa production in the region and the potential impact on the country’s economy.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the government will revisit the cocoa price to address the farmers’ concerns.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng
