Minority MPs turned President John Mahama’s State of the Nation Address into a dramatic show of protest, arriving in Parliament dressed in black and carrying cocoa pods in a symbolic gesture of solidarity with cocoa farmers.
The lawmakers said their action was in response to what they described as a “haircut” suffered by cocoa farmers under the current economic challenges — a situation they believe has left many growers struggling. Clutching cocoa pods and chanting as the President entered the chamber, the Minority made it clear they wanted the plight of farmers to remain front and centre.
The black attire signaled what they called a period of mourning for the cocoa sector, while the cocoa pods served as a stark reminder of the livelihoods at stake. Ghana’s cocoa industry remains a backbone of the economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of farmers across the country.
Despite the charged atmosphere, proceedings continued, but not without visible tension. The Minority insisted their demonstration was peaceful and meant to amplify the voices of farmers who, in their view, have borne the brunt of recent financial decisions.
Their message was unmistakable: as the President outlined his vision for the nation, they wanted equal attention paid to the struggles of cocoa farmers and urgent measures to ease their burden.