NDC Will Institute Cashew Board—Mahama Assure Farmers

The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama has said his administration will institute Cashew Board to make cashew farming more attractive when voted into power.

He stated that the board will be in charge of all issues related to cashew farming to enhance the well-being of cashew farmers in the country just like how COCOBOD is instituted for cocoa farmers.

In his explanation, the board which will consist of experts in the area of cashew production will draft policies to help boost the income earned by farmers who have decided to venture into cashew farming with huge sums of capital.

"Per our (NDC) research, cashew farmers are not having their returns as expected after investing hugely and this is unacceptable," he stated.

The former President said this in Ahafo Region on his two-day visit to officially explain the party's 2020 manifesto to the chiefs and people and solicit for votes.

According to him, under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo the living standards of cashew farmers is pathetic because less attention is being given making them disappointed in this administration.

He noted that government was able to convince farmers to cultivate cashew in large quantities for good income to improve their living conditions but this has turned to be a scam as a result of very low profits.

"Cashew farmers are really disappointed in your administration due to how you've neglected when it comes to good sales," he intimated.

The NDC Flagbearer disclosed to the chiefs and people that the introduction of the Cashew Board which will be of great benefit to the farmers can only be in existence if they vote him and the party's parliamentary candidates come December 7.

The Chairman of the Tano North Cashew Farmers Association, Paul Kuma expressed gratitude to the NDC Flagbearer for having a permanent solution to their main challenge.

Paul Kuma explained that cashew farmers are going through 'hell' when it comes to what they earn after production.

He said the prices pegged against the crop (cashew) as compared to cocoa is below belt and this has discouraged many of them.

"How can a bag of cashew sells at Gh200.00 whiles a bag of cocoa is pegged over Gh.600.00," he lamented.

He explained that the Cashew Board will be appreciated by the farmers because the issue onboard has not addressed this current Akufo-Addo government.