The Western North Regional branch of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has criticised Members of Parliament from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the region, accusing them of betraying the trust of constituents who elected them.
According to the regional NPP, cocoa farming remains the dominant economic activity for most residents of the Western North Region. The party argued that ahead of the last general election, the eight NDC MPs in the area campaigned on promises of improved cocoa pricing and stronger protection for farmers.
“The current NDC Members of Parliament were all over the region promising farmers that they would receive over GH¢6,000 for a bag of cocoa under the next NDC government,” the regional NPP stated.
However, the party said farmers are now confronted with a reduction in the price of the commodity that sustains the regional economy.
A statement signed by the Regional Secretary, Felix Foster Ackah, indicated that the situation raises concerns about consistency, fairness, and commitment to the welfare of cocoa farmers.
“This development raises serious questions about consistency, fairness, and commitment to the welfare of cocoa farmers,” the statement noted.
The regional NPP consequently called on NDC MPs from the area to apologise to residents for what it described as a breach of trust, while urging government to immediately review the price reduction.
“We urge our MPs, who are all NDC members, to prioritise farmers’ welfare ahead of the interest of their political party,” the statement added.
The party further appealed to stakeholders within the cocoa sector to safeguard the guaranteed pricing system, cautioning against moves toward deregulation which it said could undermine existing pricing protections.
“The NPP in the Western North Region stands firmly with cocoa farmers. Their sweat sustains Ghana’s economy, and their sacrifices must not be rewarded with uncertainty,” the statement said.
It assured cocoa farmers in the region of continued advocacy for policies aimed at protecting incomes, stabilising prices, and securing livelihoods.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi