GHANA NATIONAL COCOA FARMERS ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT CALLS FOR BETTER COMMUNICATION AND FARMERS ENGAGEMENT

The President of the Ghana National Cocoa Farmers Association, Mr. Anane Boateng, has called for improved communication and stronger engagement between cocoa farmers and government authorities to address challenges facing the sector. Speaking in a phone interview on ICAD TV’s Ghana Nti Morning Show with Nana Nhyiraba Kwabena Asrifi, Mr. Boateng stated that cocoa farmers are currently focused on their farming activities as the season progresses, which may explain the relative silence from many farmers in recent months. Responding to a question about outstanding payments owed to cocoa farmers, he indicated that, based on information available to him, many farmers have received payments that were previously due them. Mr. Boateng, however, expressed concern over what he described as the increasing politicization of cocoa farming. He stressed that he does not align himself with any political party and believes all governments should work in the interest of cocoa farmers regardless of political affiliation. According to him, although cocoa prices on the international market have declined, farmers remain concerned about communication gaps and the management of the sector. He noted that previous governments often engaged farmers directly, even when disagreements arose, but argued that the current administration has not communicated sufficiently with cocoa farmers on matters affecting their welfare. Mr. Boateng urged authorities to prioritize the welfare of cocoa farmers through regular engagement and effective policy implementation. He also expressed concern about what he described as the lack of clear plans and visible interventions from the Cocoa Board to improve the livelihoods of cocoa farmers. The association president further stated that cocoa farmers would appreciate more direct interaction with sector leadership, adding that they are eager to contribute ideas that can help strengthen Ghana’s cocoa industry. Despite his concerns, he reaffirmed the commitment of cocoa farmers to continue working hard to sustain the country's cocoa production and economic growth. Mr. Anane Boateng president of Ghana national cocoa famers association 0246363397