Ofoase-Ayirebi Member of Parliament Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has assured cocoa farmers that their concerns will be a major priority under a future New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, insisting that plans are already being developed to address challenges facing the cocoa sector.
According to the former Information Minister, the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has begun working on proposals aimed at revitalising the industry and improving conditions for cocoa farmers across the country.
In a post on X, Oppong Nkrumah stated that protecting the welfare and livelihoods of cocoa farmers would be a key focus of the party should it return to power.
“Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has started the process of preparing solutions to the cocoa crisis,” he wrote.
“The next NPP administration will ensure the cocoa farmer is protected.”
His comments come after members of the Minority Caucus conducted a fact-finding tour of several cocoa-growing communities to gather first-hand information on the challenges confronting farmers.
The delegation, led by Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh, engaged farmers and stakeholders across cocoa-producing areas, listening to concerns ranging from declining production and disease outbreaks to pricing and access to support services.
Following the tour, the committee compiled a report containing its findings and recommendations, which was subsequently presented to Dr. Bawumia for consideration.
The NPP says the exercise forms part of broader efforts to develop policy interventions for the cocoa sector, which remains one of Ghana’s most important sources of export revenue and employment.
Oppong Nkrumah maintained that the concerns raised by farmers would play a significant role in shaping the party’s plans for the industry, adding that sustainable solutions are needed to safeguard the future of cocoa production in the country.
The remarks also signal the growing attention political parties are placing on the cocoa sector ahead of future electoral contests, with both government and opposition figures proposing measures to address challenges affecting farmers and boost productivity.
For the NPP, the latest engagement is intended to reassure cocoa farmers that their concerns are being heard and that efforts are underway to develop policies aimed at strengthening the sector and protecting those who depend on it for their livelihoods.
