Kwesi Botchway Jnr Raises Alarm Over Hardship Facing Cocoa Farmers Amid Price Reductions

Lawyer Kwesi Botchway Jnr, a National Committee member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed profound concern about the deteriorating conditions confronting cocoa farmers following recent price reductions and delayed payments for produce.

Speaking during an interview on Asempa FM, Mr. Botchway painted a troubling picture of the economic strain facing farmers across the country. He questioned whether the nation’s leadership fully comprehends the gravity of the challenges confronting those who form the backbone of Ghana’s cocoa industry.

According to him, many cocoa farmers—particularly elderly ones—have been left in severe financial distress as a result of unpaid monies and declining producer prices. He noted that several of these farmers recently took to the streets in protest, drawing attention to their plight. For many of them, cocoa farming is their sole source of income, leaving them especially vulnerable when payments are delayed.

“I am deeply saddened by what is happening. The situation is painful,” he stated, reflecting on the difficulties faced by farmers who rely exclusively on cocoa sales to sustain their households.

Mr. Botchway emphasized that the impact of the delayed payments extends beyond basic household expenses. He explained that numerous farmers depend on proceeds from cocoa sales to pay for essential needs such as medical care, food, and their children’s education. Without timely payment, many are unable to afford medication or settle school fees, further compounding their hardship.

He alleged that some farmers have gone as long as six months without receiving payment for cocoa they have already supplied. Raising critical questions about their survival under such conditions, he asked how farmers are expected to provide for their families or meet healthcare costs without a steady income.

The NPP National Committee member also directed sharp criticism at President John Mahama, questioning whether the Head of State is fully aware of the extent of suffering in cocoa-growing communities. He suggested that the current circumstances demand urgent attention and decisive intervention to prevent further deterioration.

In addition, Mr. Botchway accused the leadership of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) of appearing disconnected from the daily realities of farmers. He alleged that while producers struggle to receive payment for their crops, officials continue to benefit from institutional privileges. Citing reports he said he had received, he claimed that new vehicles, including Land Cruisers and Hilux pickups, had been procured for staff at a time when farmers remain unpaid.

He described the situation as a troubling imbalance, arguing that it is unjust for state officials to operate in relative comfort while the primary producers of the country’s cocoa industry face economic deprivation. In his view, cocoa farmers, whose labor significantly contributes to national revenue and foreign exchange earnings, deserve greater protection and consideration.

Mr. Botchway concluded by urging authorities to prioritize the welfare of farmers and ensure prompt payment for produce. He stressed that safeguarding the livelihoods of cocoa farmers is not only a moral imperative but also essential to sustaining one of Ghana’s most critical economic sectors.