The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, has challenged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to back its claims on cocoa pricing with action, urging businessmen aligned with the party to step into the cocoa trade if they believe global prices are as attractive as being portrayed.
Addressing a large crowd in the Atwima Mponua during the second phase of his “Thank You” tour in the Ashanti Region, the veteran politician—popularly known as “General Mosquito”—dismissed assertions by NPP MPs on cocoa valuation as politically motivated.
Speaking directly to farmers in the cocoa-growing constituency, he accused the opposition of pushing what he described as a misleading narrative aimed at turning farmers against the government’s producer price.
“If the cocoa prices on the international market are truly as good as the NPP claims, then the government is ready to allow their businessmen to buy cocoa at those same prices so they can make their profits,” he said.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah argued that if the global market offered the kind of returns being suggested, NPP-affiliated business figures would already be competing to purchase cocoa directly from farmers at those higher rates. His remarks come amid ongoing national debate over cocoa pricing, with the NPP insisting farmers are not benefiting enough despite rising global trends.
He urged residents to critically assess such claims and question NPP representatives when they visit.
“When they bring you these stories, ask them why their own businessmen are not investing in the cocoa trade at those prices. If it’s that profitable, they should be leading the charge,” he added.
The tour forms part of the NDC’s efforts to thank supporters and rebuild momentum ahead of upcoming elections. It has taken the party’s national leadership across several constituencies in the Ashanti Region, traditionally a stronghold of the NPP, as the NDC seeks to expand its support base.
Throughout the engagements, Mr Asiedu Nketiah has focused on key issues such as the economy, agriculture, and the challenges facing rural farmers, positioning the NDC as offering what he describes as a more practical and transparent approach to the cocoa sector.
As the tour continues, the party remains confident its message will resonate with cocoa farmers grappling with rising living costs and production expenses.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive for Atwima Mponua, Ibrahim Issahak, also used the occasion to outline development projects undertaken in the constituency since assuming office.