Government recently increased the producer price from GH¢3,228.00 to GHs 3,625.00 per 64kg bag, representing an increment of GHs 397.00.

However, the farmers say the increase is inadequate and fails to reflect the current cost of production.

Speaking in separate interviews with the media the farmers described the new price as "an insult" and "a betrayal" of promises made to them during the 2024 election campaign.

A farmer in the Dodo-Amanfrom area, who chose to remain anonymous, told the GNA that the price was far below expectations.

He recalled that while in opposition, the NDC had criticised the then-government for offering GHs 3,228.00 per bag, calling it a "cheat," and had promised to increase the price to GHs 6,000.00 per bag if elected.

“I feel very disappointed in my own government. This is not what we were promised. How do you justify just GHs 397.00 increase when the cost of agrochemicals and labour has more than doubled,” he lamented.

The farmer also alleged that the disparity in cocoa prices between Ghana and neighbouring countries could fuel cross-border smuggling.

He stated that in the Republic of Togo, a 64kg bag of cocoa currently sells for the equivalent of GHs 7,000.00, which he believes could encourage farmers to smuggle their produce for better returns.

Another farmer, resident in the Cocoa Market area of Kadjebi, shared similar concerns.

He said the announced price was far below their expectations and warned that the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) might struggle to purchase even a single bag from the district this season if conditions did not improve.

“Even when we sell to COCOBOD at lower prices out of patriotism, we face delays in payments. This makes things even more difficult for us,” he added.

The farmers have therefore appealed to the government to review the producer price upwards to at least GHs 5,000.00 per 64kg bag, to enable them to remain in the cocoa farming business.

They cited rising inflation, increased input costs, and the high cost of living as major challenges affecting their livelihoods.

They urged the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, COCOBOD, and relevant stakeholders to take swift action to safeguard the cocoa sector, which remains a major contributor to the national economy.