Ranking Member on Parliament's Economy and Development Committee, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has urged Parliament not to rush the passage of the Cocoa Board Reforms Bill. He made the call on Tuesday, citing the bill's far-reaching impact on cocoa farmers and the wider economy.
Cocoa Industry Faces Uncertainty
Oppong Nkrumah expressed concern that the proposed law could have serious consequences for Ghana's cocoa industry if stakeholders are not properly consulted. He argued that previous decisions on cocoa pricing had already affected cocoa-growing communities, making it even more important for Parliament to proceed cautiously.
According to Oppong Nkrumah, the Minority in Parliament opposed the attempt to fast-track consideration of the bill. He said that any major policy change must be subjected to extensive engagement before it becomes law. The MP from Ofoase Ayirebi emphasized that cocoa remains one of Ghana's most important industries, and Parliament must handle it with care.
Pricing Formula Raises Red Flags
The former Information Minister expressed concern about the pricing formula proposed under the bill. He argued that the new arrangement would work against the interests of cocoa farmers. Oppong Nkrumah stated that the proposal initially referred to paying farmers 70 per cent of Free on Board (FOB) prices, but a different mechanism is now being discussed.
He noted that the proposed system could undermine the minimum guaranteed farm-gate price, which he described as a key incentive for cocoa production. Oppong Nkrumah warned that a fluctuating pricing system would not suit the structure of Ghana's cocoa sector. He said it would be undulating, which he thinks is not helpful for the peculiar type of industry that Ghana has.
Stakeholders to Be Consulted
Oppong Nkrumah insisted that Parliament should suspend efforts to pass the legislation quickly and instead allow broader consultations with key stakeholders. He emphasized the need to engage with cocoa farmers and hear their input into the law. The MP urged Parliament to bring cocoa farmers into the discussion and allow them to have a say in the bill.
He stressed that discussions on the bill were still ongoing and indicated that the Minority would continue to make further submissions before Parliament takes a final decision. Oppong Nkrumah said that it's not a done deal yet, and the Minority will be making a lot more submissions on it. The fate of the Cocoa Board Reforms Bill remains uncertain, and stakeholders will be watching closely to see what happens next.
Source: Joy Online
