Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Economy and Development Committee, has warned that Ghana's cocoa farmers could lose the protection of guaranteed producer prices if the proposed Cocoa Board Reforms Bill is passed in its current form. The bill, which is currently being debated in Parliament, aims to reform the cocoa industry but Oppong Nkrumah believes it will worsen the plight of farmers.
Farmers to Lose Guaranteed Prices
Cocoa farmers could lose guaranteed prices under the new law, according to Oppong Nkrumah. Speaking on JoyNews’ PM Express on Tuesday, he said the Minority opposed attempts to fast-track the bill under a certificate of urgency because of its far-reaching impact on the country's cocoa industry. The guaranteed price has been a key incentive for cocoa production because farmers begin each season knowing the minimum price they will receive.
Oppong Nkrumah maintained that the new pricing formula will put a lot of cocoa farmers at a disadvantage. He explained that the formula will not be able to provide the minimum guarantee farm-gate price that farmers have come to rely on. This, he believes, will leave farmers worse off.
Minority Rejects Fast-Tracking of Bill
The Minority caucus in Parliament has rejected the fast-tracking of the bill, citing concerns about its impact on cocoa farmers. Oppong Nkrumah said the Minority urged that the time be taken to engage cocoa farmers and other stakeholders before proceeding with the bill. He warned that the proposed legislation will worsen the plight of Ghana's cocoa farmers in the years to come, as it removes the biggest incentive for cocoa production.
The Minority caucus has also threatened to use the Right to Information Act or go to court to challenge revenue deals if the bill is passed in its current form. Oppong Nkrumah has urged Parliament not to rush the passage of the bill, warning that the proposed legislation will have far-reaching consequences for the cocoa industry.
What's Next
The fate of the Cocoa Board Reforms Bill remains uncertain as Parliament continues to debate the proposed legislation. Oppong Nkrumah has called on Parliament to engage with cocoa farmers and other stakeholders before proceeding with the bill. The outcome of this debate will have significant implications for Ghana's cocoa industry and the livelihoods of thousands of farmers who depend on it.
Source: 3News
