David Wordi defends Mahama’s cocoa policies, questions farmers’ association’s petition

NDC communicator David Wordi has defended the cocoa policies of the Mahama administration while questioning the timing and motives behind a petition by the Young Cocoa Farmers Association to President John Dramani Mahama.

The association recently petitioned the President over what it described as uncertainties and concerns about the future of young cocoa farmers, particularly in relation to government policies and developments in the cocoa sector.

Speaking on the 'Bubunɛ' Breakfast Show, hosted by Nana Yaw Asiamah, Mr. Wordi questioned why the association have suddenly become vocal about the challenges facing cocoa farmers under the current NDC administration.

According to him, the association was formed in 2015, before the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took over government in 2016, and he argued that similar concerns should have been raised during the NPP’s eight-year tenure.

Mr. Wordi claimed the association only becomes active when the NDC is in power and suggested that it has sympathies towards the NPP.

“Look, when was this association formed? It was formed in 2015. That was when this group was established. Ever since 2015, the NPP has held power in this country. Why haven't they fixed these issues?” he questioned.

He stressed that his position was not merely an attempt to defend the NDC government, insisting that the performance of government policies should be assessed against the realities confronting farmers.

“I’m not saying this just to defend the NPP. When we face reality, we see the truth. Being in opposition is tough—it really is!” Mr. Wordi said.

The NDC communicator subsequently defended the Mahama administration’s approach to cocoa farmer remuneration, arguing that government had introduced measures intended to ensure farmers receive a greater share of the value generated from their produce.

He referred to reports indicating that cocoa farmers were receiving a significantly higher proportion of the returns from cocoa, with the figure under the current administration reportedly reaching as high as 95 percent.

Mr. Wordi maintained that the government had demonstrated its commitment to improving the welfare of cocoa farmers and expressed confidence that more interventions would benefit farmers.

However, he acknowledged that farmers continue to face economic difficulties, particularly rising input costs.

He said the challenges were not limited to cocoa farmers, but affected farmers involved in maize, vegetable and livestock production as well.

According to him, government policies must go beyond announcements and ensure that the intended benefits are felt directly by farmers.

“When you look at market prices—a bag of fertilizer or feed that used to cost GH₵40 has skyrocketed. How can young farmers survive under these conditions?” he asked.

Mr. Wordi also contrasted agricultural input policies under different administrations, alleging that fertiliser labelled “Not for Sale” had previously been sold illegally, while the current government was distributing fertiliser free of charge.

He said the ultimate test of any government intervention should be whether it reduces the financial burden on farmers and improves their livelihoods.

Although he acknowledged that he is not a cocoa farmer, Mr. Wordi said he regularly hears concerns from farmers and believes the current administration’s policies can improve conditions within the sector.

He nevertheless stressed that increased cocoa payouts must translate into actual financial benefits for farmers.

“The government needs to ensure that when policies like the 70% cocoa payout are announced, the relief actually reaches the farmers’ pockets rather than getting lost in the system,” he said.

Mr. Wordi urged the government to ensure that its cocoa policies are effectively implemented while calling on stakeholders to assess the administration’s performance based on tangible outcomes for farmers.

His comments come amid renewed debate over the future of young cocoa farmers, with concerns over cocoa prices, production costs, government interventions and the sustainability of cocoa farming continuing to attract public attention.

Story By Asiamah Coomson Samuel