COCOBOD Fires Back At “Ungrateful” Cocoa Farmers Over New Cocoa Farmgate Price

The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Fiifi Boafo, has dismissed the existence of a group purportedly led by Stephenson Anane Boateng.

This response follows Mr Anane Boateng’s rejection of COCOBOD’s announcement of a 58.26 percent increase in cocoa prices, which has been set at GH¢33,120 cedis per ton for the 2023/2024 crop season.

Anane Boateng claimed that cocoa farmers are being unfairly treated, arguing that the increase is inadequate.

Speaking on the Point of View on Citi TV, Fiifi Boafo countered Anane Boateng’s claims, stating that the group he purportedly leads does not exist.

Boafo further clarified that Boateng is not a representative of the recognized Cocoa Coffee and Shea Farmers Association, which has nationwide representation in Ghana.

“Stephen Anane is not the only cocoa farmer in Ghana. I struggle to base any premium on what the Anane gentleman you mentioned put out. He said he’s the president of the Cocoa Farmers Association, don’t fall for it when he says that because there’s no such association across the country called Cocoa Farmers Association, where you have all cocoa farmers being part of it.

“The recognized cocoa farmers association which we all know is the cocoa coffee and shea nut farmers association. That has representations across the country. This gentleman is not a representative of that association.”

Fiifi Boafo recalled how Boateng became disgruntled after a decision was made against him when he requested to manage cocoa farmers’ funds.

“This is a gentleman whose introduction to the cocoa scheme was that the cocoa farmers scheme -money set aside for cocoa farmers scheme should be given to him. Because he has an association and members of his association are cocoa farmers and so the funds should be allocated to him to manage the funds.

“NPRA law doesn’t allow us to give cocoa farmers funds to you, just because they are farmers, and they are in your association. Since the date that decision was made, everything COCOBOD is a crime.”

While Boafo acknowledged the disapproval of other groups regarding the increase in the producer price for cocoa, he insisted that Boateng should be disregarded.

“I’m not saying there will be a farmer who will not be pleased with the decision. It’s also right for other people to express different opinions.”

Boafo highlighted that, with the exception of 2023, Ghanaian cocoa farmers have consistently received higher payments than their Ivorian counterparts over the past seven years.

He refuted claims of exploitation, pointing out that Ghanaian cocoa farmers receive $47 more than those in Cote d’Ivoire, challenging the narrative that the government is cheating farmers.

Addressing criticism of replicating the Ivorian model, Boafo defended the government’s approach, stating that replicating successful strategies should not be misconstrued as wrongdoing.

“The difference between how much Ghana is paying cocoa farmers, and the Ivorians are paying cocoa farmers, we’re paying $47 more to our Ghanaian farmers compared to Ivorian farmers. And the people who told us to replicate what the Ivorians have done, now say that what we have done is wrong and we are cheating the cocoa farmers. If I’m asked to do something someone is doing and I do the same, do you accuse me of doing the wrong thing, no.

“Last year [2023] due to the exchange rate, the Ivorians’ price got better than Ghana’s. But the government in the last 7 years, with the exception of last year [2023] has paid better price to cocoa farmers as compared to the Ivorian counterparts.”

Regarding lower production levels in Ghana compared to Cote d’Ivoire, Boafo attributed this to various factors such as the treatment of infested farms, swollen shoot disease, and adverse weather conditions.

He emphasized that these actions are necessary for long-term sustainability in cocoa production.

“The premium levels are different I admit, but in Cote D’Ivoire, there’s nothing like cooling down periods for cocoa farmers. There’s nothing like a subsidized fertilizer given to cocoa farmers. All interventions COCOBOD is giving to farmers in Ghana, the Ivorian counterparts are not enjoying same.”

“We’re treating more of our farms affected, you can say today that the numbers are not looking good, but it’s as a result of an action taken to ensure going into the future, we are in a better position to produce cocoa,” he said.

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