Unmasking Ghana’s Cocoa Conundrum: A Call for Fairness and Reform

Ghana's cocoa industry is not only vital to the nation's economy but also plays a significant role in the global chocolate market. However, recent years have witnessed growing concerns about the treatment of cocoa farmers in the country. Many claim that the Ghanaian government's policies and practices amount to daylight robbery, leaving cocoa farmers shortchanged. Dr. Sam Ankrah delves into the issues plaguing Ghana's cocoa sector, shedding light on the challenges faced by farmers, and proposes reforms that the next government must prioritize to ensure fairness in this critical industry.

Shortchange and Daylight Robbery:

Despite the importance of cocoa, many farmers in Ghana find themselves struggling to make ends meet. Several issues contribute to this dire situation:

1. Farmgate Prices: Cocoa farmers receive lower-than-expected prices for their produce. The government's control over the pricing mechanism allows for price manipulation, leaving farmers at the mercy of fluctuating rates that do not reflect the true market value of their beans while the profits benefit the government. Future government leaders will need to establish a transparent and fair pricing mechanism that takes into account market dynamics and ensures that cocoa farmers receive a fair share of the profits.

2. Smuggling and Illicit Trade: Illicit cocoa trade and smuggling across Ghana's borders undermine the legitimate market and reduce farmers' income. Aggressive measures to curb these illegal activities, such as strict border control and collaboration with neighboring nations, is an essential component of reform.

3. Lack of Investment: A significant portion of cocoa-producing regions lacks the necessary infrastructure and support systems, such as roads and storage facilities, making it difficult for farmers to transport their harvests and store them effectively. Improving transportation and storage infrastructure in cocoa-producing regions will not only reduce post-harvest losses but also make it easier for farmers to access markets.

4. Pesticides and Quality Control: Quality control remains an issue, with concerns about the use of pesticides and the need for sustainable farming practices. As a nation we must insist on investing in educating farmers on responsible agricultural practices.

5. Land Encroachment: Galamsey and other land encroachment are diminishing the farming lands, with a superstitious belief that where cocoa grows gold will surely be found. Our farm lands must be secured and government must enforce the banning of galamsey.

Ghana's cocoa sector is at a crossroads, with cocoa farmers feeling shortchanged and robbed of their fair share of the industry's profits. The next government has a crucial role to play in addressing these issues, ensuring transparency, and implementing reforms that prioritize the welfare of cocoa farmers. Year after year we have met incompetencies and deficiencies in the agricultural sector, particularly in the cocoa division. Changing the way we vote is the only chance Ghana has to empower and maintain its status as a key player in the global cocoa market while also uplifting the lives of those who toil on its farms. It's time to unmask the cocoa conundrum and usher in a fairer and more prosperous era for Ghana's cocoa industry. Enough is enough!

About Dr. Sam Ankrah
Dr. Samuel Sarpong Ankrah is a respected and accomplished entrepreneur, development economist, investment banker, advocate, and philanthropist known for his commitment to promoting equity, unity, and growth in Ghana. His aspirations of presidency stem from his practical solutions and executive skills to the problems Ghanaians face at the hands of poor leadership, and the genuine love for his country. His desire is to see a thriving nation were all citizens can enjoy a life of peace and prosperity. He believes the only way to accomplish this Herculean task is to break the establishment of the current political duopoly, form a government willing to lay down unmerited luxury for the greater good and progress of all citizens, and build policies and constitutional reform geared toward the future.