Adansi Asokwa MP Boycotts Cocoa Farmers’ Forum

The Member of Parliament for Adansi Asokwa, Hon. Dorghadzi-Dorani Animli Godwin, was conspicuously absent from Thursday cocoa forum organized to address the pressing grievances of farmers within his constituency.

Despite being formally notified of the engagement, the MP reportedly prioritized other engagements over the meeting.

His absence was particularly noted as several of his parliamentary colleagues traveled significant distances to honor the invitation and engage with the local farming community.

Farmers Express Frustration:

The atmosphere at the forum was charged with disappointment, as several farmers openly criticized their representative’s lack of engagement.

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

Price Volatility:

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

“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,” Mr. Attakora lamented.

Broken Promises:

Awuradwoa Acheampongmaa, a farmer from Anwiaso, was moved to tears while addressing the assembly.

She expressed a sense of betrayal regarding the current administration’s 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 have been shortchanged by the Mahama government,” she stated.

MPs Vow Support:

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

Hon. Nana Ayew Afriyie (Effiduase Asokore MP) emphasized that the Minority remains deeply concerned about the welfare of cocoa farmers.

He condemned the perceived 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 urged.

Hon. Michael Kwasi Aidoo (Oforikrom) and Hon. Isaac Yaw Opoku (Ranking Member for Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs) also addressed the gathering. They attributed the government’s failure to provide farmers with fair compensation to “incompetent management” of the sector.

Comparative Cocoa Price Impact

Previous Price (GH₵)        Current Price (GH₵)          Percentage Decrease

3,600     2,500     ~30.5%.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/ Michael Ofosu-Afriyie, Kumasi.