Dr. John Kingsley Krugu, former Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Zebilla Constituency, has taken a strong swipe at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the government, describing the recent increase in cocoa prices as an “insult” to farmers. His comments come in response to the 4.07% increment in the price of a 64kg bag of cocoa, which translates to an additional GH¢128 per bag.
Speaking during an interview on A1 Radio’s morning show, Dr. Krugu questioned the rationale behind such a marginal increment, particularly when the government attributed it to the appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi. He challenged public officials to demonstrate their sincerity by making similar sacrifices. “Now, none of the ministers, nor the CEO of COCOBOD, has decided to say they will take half of their salaries because the cedi has appreciated,” he remarked.
Dr. Krugu specifically pointed to the CEO of COCOBOD, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, alleging that he takes home over GH¢70,000 monthly while cocoa farmers are expected to be content with a meagre GH¢128 increment per bag. He described the amount as “simply a debt to the farmer,” arguing that the cost of producing a single bag of cocoa far exceeds the new increase. “The cost of labour, inputs, and transportation has significantly increased. It takes more than GH¢128 to produce a single bag of cocoa,” he stated. “This is unjustifiable. It is completely an insult to the cocoa farmers in this country.”
Dr. Krugu also expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to fulfil its own promise to raise the price of cocoa to GH¢6,000 per tonne. “They are still in power. Seven months down the line, where is the GH¢6,000?” he questioned.
As a cocoa farmer himself, Dr. Krugu warned of a growing trend where farmers are compelled to sell their lands to illegal mining companies due to poor incentives. “Mining companies are cutting down cocoa farms. Farmers are being forced to trade long-term livelihood for quick money because they are not being supported,” he lamented.
Calling for urgent reforms, Dr. Krugu stressed the need to protect the interests of cocoa farmers and ensure they receive fair compensation for their efforts. “What is the existence of COCOBOD without cocoa farmers?” he asked.
He accused the government of taking advantage of the goodwill of farmers and warned that the continued neglect of their welfare would have serious repercussions. He called for accountability and justice for those who form the backbone of Ghana’s economy.
Source: A1Radioonline.com | 101.1 MHz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
