Chief Farmer Predicts Cocoa Price Hike

The Ashanti Regional Chief Farmer, Nana Akuoku, has hinted that price of cocoa will see a significant increment at the beginning of this year�s major crop season, which starts from October. �Cocoa farmers will witness [an] appreciable adjustment of producer price of cocoa, starting from the major crop season.� Nana Akuoku gave the assurance when he met members of the Ghana Cocoa, Coffee, Shea-nut Farmers Association (GCCSFA) at Kumawu, as part of a tour to interact with members of the association, and to afford him the opportunity to know their challenges first-hand. Reacting to concerns raised by the members, the Chief Farmer said indications were that price of the cocoa will go up, as consultations among all stakeholders in the cocoa industry agree to that. Currently, the producer price of a bag (62.5 kilogrammes) is GH�212. Nana Akuoku also told the farmers that bonuses would be paid to them after the closure of the minor cocoa season this year. On the suggestion that the government should pay cocoa spraying gangs throughout the year, the Chief Farmer said such a suggestion will be communicated to the government and other stakeholders for deliberations. Nana Akuoku regretted that the youth had little or no interest in farming, and urged the farmers to involve their children in farming activities. Nana Adarkwa, Bekwai District Chief Farmer, also disclosed that the Akuafo Cheque would be reintroduced for farmers to withdraw money from the bank this year. Nana Akosua Birimponmaa, Kumawu District Chief Farmer, mentioned an increase in the price of cocoa and payment of bonuses, subsidising the price of fertiliser, paying of cocoa spraying gangs throughout the year, and organisation of in-service training for farmers, spraying machines, cutlasses, and wellington boots as a few of the challenges facing farmers. She called on the government to direct all licensed buying companies to pay their staff well to avoid the adjustment of weighing scales. The District Chief Executive for Kumawu, Samuel Asiamah, stated that the government was much concerned about the welfare of farmers, and for that matter, will not renege on its responsibilities towards them. The DCE recounted the contribution of the cocoa industry to the development of Ghana�s economy over the years, and mentioned the creation of employment for many Ghanaians.