Minority accuses gov’t prioritizing political expenditure over welfare of cocoa farmers

The Minority in Parliament has launched a strong critique of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, accusing it of prioritising political expenditure over the welfare of cocoa farmers amid a worsening crisis in the cocoa sector.

Leading the charge is the Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, who has questioned the government’s spending decisions at a time when farmers across the country are struggling to survive.

According to the Minority, the government is allegedly disbursing about GH¢20,000 monthly to party executives in each of the 275 constituencies—an estimated GH¢5.5 million every month—while cocoa farmers remain unpaid for beans supplied as far back as November 2025.

The claim, which the Minority says is based on disclosures attributed to Mustapha Gbande, NDC deputy General Secretary and Deputy Director of Operations at the Presidency, has fueled public debate about the government’s priorities. The opposition argues that such expenditure could instead be redirected to address the immediate financial distress facing cocoa farmers and purchasing clerks.

The concerns come against the backdrop of a broader crisis in the cocoa sector spanning the 2025/2026 season. Farmers have faced delayed payments, reduced producer prices—from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag—and rising production costs, including fertilizers, labour, and transportation.

The situation has been further compounded by structural changes within the sector, including a shift from forward sales to spot sales, which industry players say has contributed to financial instability and uncertainty in cocoa financing.

Other Minority members, including Michael Okyere Baafi, have also raised allegations of possible diversion of funds meant for the cocoa sector, intensifying calls for transparency and accountability.

The opposition insists that farmers, who form the backbone of the agricultural economy, should not bear the brunt of policy failures or fiscal challenges.

They argue that even a portion of the funds allegedly being spent on party structures could significantly ease the burden on farmers.

In response, the Minority has vowed to sustain its advocacy campaign under the banner “Pay Farmers, Not Party Executives,” signalling a continued push both in Parliament and through nationwide engagements with cocoa-growing communities.

The group maintains that restoring fair pricing, ensuring prompt payments, and prioritising the cocoa sector are essential steps to stabilising the industry and protecting livelihoods across the country.