The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam Adoagyiri, Frank Annor Dompreh, has criticised President John Dramani Mahama over what he describes as poor management of Ghana’s cocoa sector, despite his years of experience in governance.
He argued that it is not too late for the President to engage former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo for guidance on cocoa sector management.
According to him, although global cocoa prices fell during Akufo-Addo’s tenure, producer prices were maintained out of what he described as goodwill towards farmers.
Mr. Annor Dompreh made the comments during a Minority Caucus engagement with cocoa farmers at Asunsu No.1 in the Dormaa Central Constituency.
He also accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of resorting to insults instead of learning from governance practices of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He added that the Minority would continue to educate cocoa farmers on what he termed the negative impact of current government policies.
Also addressing the gathering, the Member of Parliament for Kwabre East, Akwasi Gyamfi Onyina Acheampong, said the Minority Caucus in Parliament would work closely with cocoa farmers to ensure government meets its financial commitments to them.
He further alleged that the NDC government may introduce a higher cocoa producer price during election periods as a political strategy to win the support of farmers, cautioning farmers not to be swayed by such promises.
According to him, such tactics have historically not translated into lasting benefits for Ghanaians.