‘Where is the GH¢3bn? Pay cocoa farmers what you promised’ – NPP MP demands

‘Where is the GH¢3bn? Pay Cocoa Farmers What You Promised’ – NPP MP Demands

In a bold call for accountability, a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has publicly demanded that the government come clean about the status of a GH¢3 billion fund reportedly earmarked for cocoa farmers. The MP, whose constituency heavily depends on cocoa production, urged the Ministry of Finance and COCOBOD to honor their financial commitments and deliver what was promised to the nation’s cocoa growers.

Addressing a gathering of journalists and local farmers, the NPP legislator criticized the delay in disbursing payments owed to thousands of cocoa farmers across the country, especially during a period of economic hardship and rising input costs.

“Where is the GH¢3 billion we were told was secured to support cocoa production and farmer welfare? Farmers are still waiting, and many are losing faith in the system. If we claim to value agriculture, then we must show it with action—not empty promises,” the MP declared.

Mounting Pressure Amid Farmer Frustration

The call comes amid growing agitation among cocoa farmers who say they have not received full payments for their produce, despite earlier assurances of a robust support package. Some claim they have waited for months, while others allege deductions and unexplained delays in transactions.

The GH¢3 billion facility was initially announced as part of efforts to stabilize Ghana’s cocoa sector, improve farmer livelihoods, and support COCOBOD’s internal financing operations. However, the lack of transparency in how the funds have been utilized has raised alarm among stakeholders in the agricultural economy.

Questions for COCOBOD and Finance Ministry

The MP called on COCOBOD to publish a detailed breakdown of how the GH¢3bn has been used so far, including:

• How much has gone directly to farmer payments?

• What portion was used for logistics, fertilizers, or infrastructure?

• What accounts for the delays?

“We cannot build trust with our farmers if we continue to treat them as afterthoughts. Cocoa is Ghana’s economic backbone. If we fail the farmer, we fail the nation,” the MP added.

Political Implications Within the Ruling Party

The MP’s statement has sparked reactions within the NPP, with some insiders praising the courage to speak up for constituents, while others worry that such public criticism may fuel opposition narratives ahead of the upcoming election cycle.

Political analysts say the issue is a potential flashpoint for voter discontent, particularly in cocoa-producing regions that have traditionally supported the ruling party.

COCOBOD Yet to Respond

As of the time of writing, COCOBOD and the Ministry of Finance have not officially responded to the MP’s concerns. However, sources within the cocoa regulatory body suggest that the delay may be linked to international financing bottlenecks and currency volatility.

Meanwhile, farmer unions are planning a joint press conference to further press for clarity and fast-tracked disbursements.

This development underscores the growing tension between political leadership, regulatory institutions, and rural stakeholders over economic justice and resource allocation. As Ghana’s cocoa farmers wait, one question looms large: Where is the GH¢3 billion?