John Mahama, the Presidential candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has sharply criticized the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for its handling of Ghana’s cocoa industry, claiming that its management over the past eight years has contributed to the sector's severe decline. On his ongoing campaign tour in the Western Region, Mahama highlighted that cocoa production has dwindled by nearly 400,000 tons under the current government, which has led to a significant deficit in production. He also pointed out that the government had taken loans equivalent to 350,000 tons of cocoa, creating an enormous debt burden that will be inherited by the next administration. While the government has increased cocoa prices to pacify farmers, Mahama noted that many cocoa farms have been destroyed by diseases like swollen shoot, exacerbating the struggles of farmers in the industry.
Mahama made these comments during an engagement with the Western Regional House of Chiefs in Sekondi, where he pledged to take immediate action to revive the ailing cocoa sector. He assured the chiefs and the public that his administration would prioritize the restoration of cocoa production to its former glory, which has long been a pillar of Ghana’s economy. The former President emphasized that restoring the industry would not only improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers but also contribute significantly to the national economy. According to Mahama, a comprehensive plan would be necessary to tackle the sector's issues, ranging from the effects of cocoa diseases to the financial challenges that have arisen under the current administration's policies.
In addition to his broader commitment to the revival of the cocoa industry, Mahama criticized the government’s decision to spend GHC 3.4 billion on a new headquarters for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) while the sector itself is struggling. This, he argued, reflects misplaced priorities at a time when the sector’s very survival is at stake. Mahama also proposed stronger legislation to prevent illegal mining activities, which he believes are destroying cocoa farms and further harming the industry. He reiterated his commitment to a sustainable and supportive environment for cocoa farmers, promising that under his leadership, the NDC would restore the cocoa industry to its former strength. His stance on the matter is part of a broader campaign to address key issues affecting the agricultural sector, with a focus on policies that will benefit farmers and enhance the sustainability of the country's cocoa production.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0