The 2016 National Best Farmer, Robert Crentsil, has strongly rejected the government’s decision to reduce the cocoa producer price, citing concerns over the welfare of farmers.
He has expressed disappointment with the new price of GH¢2,587 per bag, down from GH¢3,625, saying it will worsen the plight of cocoa farmers and discourage youth involvement in the sector.
The government announced the price reduction on February 12, attributing it to a volatile international market where cocoa prices have dropped by over 63% year-on-year.
At an emergency press briefing, the finance minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, explained that the decision follows a critical Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday February 11 to address a liquidity crisis affecting thousands of unpaid farmers.
Mr. Crentsil who hails from the Ajumako Enyan-Essiam District in the Central Region with over 20 years of experience in a phone interview with 1960news.com described the reduction as incoherent and unacceptable.
“The reduction announced by the minister is unacceptable,” he said, citing high labor costs and chemical prices.
“How can the same people who in opposition gave cocoa farmers gallant promises comes to power only to make the farmers feel marginalized, he reiterated.
Mr. Crentsil used the occasion to urge the government to reconsider the decision, warning that the new price may force farmers, especially those in mining areas, to sell their farms.
