Bawumia to Propose Policy Alternative as Cocoa Sector Tensions Deepen

New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia says he will soon present a policy alternative aimed at tackling the persistent challenges confronting Ghana’s cocoa sector.

His assurance follows government’s February 12 decision to reduce the cocoa producer price to GH¢41,392 per tonne, equivalent to GH¢2,587 per bag, for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season — a move that has sparked widespread concern among farmers and industry stakeholders.

In the wake of the backlash, the Minority Caucus set up a Select Committee to tour cocoa‑growing communities and gather first-hand feedback. Led by Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh‑Dompreh, the committee has compiled its findings and recommendations after engagements with farmers across the country.

Speaking during the presentation of the report, Dr. Bawumia said the document would be forwarded to the NPP’s Policy Committee on Agriculture, Food Security and Agribusiness for a full technical review.

According to him, the committee will be tasked to analyse the findings, consult sector experts and develop costed, implementable policy alternatives that respond directly to the concerns raised by farmers.

“We are going to ask the committee to technically review the findings, consult experts in the area, and then bring forward costed policy alternatives for us,” he said.

The proposed policy framework is expected to feed into broader discussions within the NPP on stabilising Ghana’s cocoa industry, improving farmer welfare and strengthening the long‑term sustainability of the sector.

— CitiNewsRoom