National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Flagbearer hopeful, John Mahama, has accused President Akufo-Addo of mismanaging the country’s cocoa sector.
According to him, this administration’s mismanagement of the sector has largely contributed to its rapid decline in recent years.
Addressing party faithful at the start of a two-day campaign tour of the Western North Region, Mr. Mahama said the government’s failure to adjust the producer price of cocoa annually and the delayed payment of farmers for cocoa beans are part of the factors destroying the sector.
“Under the previous NDC administration, we ensured that there was an upward adjustment in the producer price [of cocoa] every year. But that is not the case with this government. Price adjustments are taking place after four years. This is what is collapsing the sector,” he said.
According to him, the neglect of the sector over the years has largely contributed to its poor economic performance affecting the livelihood of farmers.
He noted that this has resulted in farmers giving away their lands to illegal miners who are willing to pay more for their activities on the farm lands.
He referred to a farmer who said he will give out his land for galamsey because the returns are far better than farming.
“He doesn’t mind selling his farm for galamsey because there’s no profit from the cocoa business today. Payment of farmers for their cocoa purchases is no longer instant and they do not get any bonus. Farmers must now wait for three to four months to receive payment”, he added.
The former president is visiting all nine constituencies in the region and is expected to continue to the Ashanti Region.
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