The Alliance for Western North Farmers has called on the Government of Ghana, as a matter of urgency, to arrest officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) who allegedly mishandled public funds under the previous administration.
The call follows a demonstration held on February 19 by the Forum for Accountability and Development of Sefwi in the Sefwi-Wiawso Municipality of the Western North Region.
According to the farmers’ group, the alleged mismanagement of funds within COCOBOD has contributed to persistent challenges facing cocoa farmers in the region, including delayed payments, poor road infrastructure, and inadequate support services.
They argue that holding culpable officials accountable is critical to restoring confidence in the cocoa sector and ensuring fairness for farmers.
After the demonstration, members of the Alliance addressed the media from their cocoa farms, where they expressed appreciation to the government for the recent increase in the producer price of cocoa.
They described the new price as a positive step and urged fellow farmers across the country to accept it in good faith.
The farmers, however, noted that while the price increment is welcome, it must be followed by broader reforms to address long-standing issues in the cocoa industry.
They said they are hopeful that ongoing and future reforms will bring lasting relief to farmers, particularly in areas such as access to inputs, farm maintenance, and timely payments.
Speaking during the protest, leaders of the Alliance said several audit reports and public disclosures have raised serious concerns about how funds meant for farmer welfare and cocoa sector development were handled in the past.
They stressed that failure to act swiftly could undermine the government’s commitment to accountability and anti-corruption.
“The cocoa farmer deserves better. If public funds were misused, those responsible must be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a deterrent,” a spokesperson for the group stated.
Demonstrators carried placards demanding transparency, justice for cocoa farmers, and reforms within the Ghana Cocoa Board. The protest was largely peaceful and attracted the attention of residents and road users within the municipality.
The Alliance has therefore urged the government, the Attorney-General’s Department, and other relevant state institutions to immediately investigate the alleged financial improprieties and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to book.
As of the time of filing this report, neither COCOBOD nor government officials had issued an official response to the demands.
