Western North: Sefwi Wiawso cocoa farmers protest price cut

Cocoa farmers in the Western North Region have taken to the streets to protest the recent slash in cocoa prices, which fell from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag.

Farmers from Sefwi Wiawso, Juaboso, and Bia West districts marched through main streets, waving placards with messages like: “Aban no adadaa yen”, “From promises to pain, This price cut is wickedness”, and “When COCOBOD fails, don’t cut farmers’ pay”.

Some even accused the government of endangering livelihoods, with one placard reading: “Mahama is more dangerous than Ebola”.

The protesters said the reduction comes at a time when the cost of farm inputs and labour is soaring, making it harder to sustain farms, pay workers, and provide for families.

They described the decision as unfair, insensitive, and a threat to cocoa, a major contributor to Ghana’s economy.

Speaking on behalf of the farmers, a local leader warned that the price cut could discourage production and hurt the local economy. He called on the government and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) to review the price immediately to reflect current economic realities.

“The government hasn’t done well at all. They’ve cut the cocoa price after we’ve already budgeted our lives around it. How are we supposed to survive? The government needs to explain this to us; this is not right,” he said

BY: NHYIRABA KWADWO SAMMY BEE

SOURCE: DLNEWSROOM