Cocoa farmers will reject NDC in 2028 if their concerns are not addressed – Martin Ampim

New Patriotic Party (NPP) Organizer for the Biakoye Constituency, Martin Ampim, has warned the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) that it risks losing significant support in cocoa-growing communities in the 2028 general elections if concerns raised by farmers are not addressed.

His comments come amid growing concerns within Ghana’s cocoa sector, including a petition by the Young Cocoa Farmers Association to President John Dramani Mahama over what the group describes as uncertainties surrounding the future of cocoa farming.

The association has called for assurances on measures to protect the livelihoods of cocoa farmers and make the sector more attractive and sustainable for younger generations.

Speaking on the Bubune Breakfast Show, hosted by Nana Yaw Asiamah, Mr Ampim said the concerns of cocoa farmers should not be taken lightly, arguing that issues surrounding cocoa prices, payments and government policies could have both economic and political consequences.

“Most of the cocoa farming areas, you write it down. I'm telling you that they are going to vote massively against the NDC,” he said.

He argued that farmers would ultimately judge the government based on whether its policies improved their livelihoods and provided better returns for their produce.

Mr Ampim also criticised the management of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), particularly the continued leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Randy Abbey.

He claimed that concerns about the management of the cocoa sector had been raised within sections of the NDC but suggested that political considerations had prevented changes at the top.

“This isn't football; this is cocoa issues. So if management continues like this, it won't go well,” he stated.

The NPP organiser urged the government to consider changes at COCOBOD if it was committed to protecting the interests of cocoa farmers and the wider economy.

“If leaders love cocoa farmers and love the nation, they should make a change. If they don't, we will push for change,” he warned.

Farmers deserve better returns
Mr Ampim also supported calls by cocoa farmers for a greater share of the value generated from cocoa, insisting that farmers had the right to demand improved returns for their produce.

He rejected arguments that demands for farmers to receive 70 per cent of the value of cocoa were excessive because the state provides services such as fertiliser, spraying and pruning.

“So if they are demanding, it's their right. I would even suggest they demand 99 percent, per what the NDC promised,” he said.

He declined to disclose specific cocoa policies the NPP would introduce if it returned to power, saying the party would outline its proposals in its manifesto.

He nevertheless assured cocoa farmers that the NPP's proposed alternative would provide better conditions for them.

Concerns over delayed payments
Mr Ampim further accused the government of failing to adequately address challenges surrounding cocoa purchases and payments to farmers.

He claimed some farmers who had already sold their cocoa were still waiting to receive payment, creating financial difficulties for families with children facing school and university expenses.

“Those who sold, we haven't given them their money. Their children are going to university, fees are due. A lot of these things are happening in this country,” he said.

He also complained about difficulties farmers allegedly face in selling their cocoa, likening the situation to farm produce such as cassava and maize.

“Cocoa has become like cassava and maize. Nobody is buying,” he stated.

The NPP organiser questioned reports that local cocoa farmers had received payments while some foreign buyers remained unpaid. He argued that the government should ensure that all stakeholders within the cocoa value chain were properly paid, stressing that financial challenges affect people regardless of nationality.

Call for urgent action
Mr Ampim maintained that government interventions such as fertiliser distribution, spraying and pruning should not, on their own, be presented as evidence that farmers are receiving adequate value from cocoa production.

According to him, the broader objective should be to ensure that cocoa farming remains economically viable and that farmers can earn decent livelihoods from their work.

He said Ghana's situation was not hopeless and indicated that an NPP administration would retain policies introduced by the current government if they proved beneficial to the country.

“I don't see doom for the country because any good policy they make, we will continue it. But the truth is, cocoa farmers and Ghanaians are suffering,” he said.

Mr Ampim urged President Mahama and the government to listen to the concerns of cocoa farmers, particularly young people entering the sector, and introduce measures to make cocoa farming sustainable and financially attractive.

He warned that if the concerns of cocoa farmers remain unresolved, they could express their dissatisfaction through their votes in the 2028 elections.