Forum for Accountability of Sefwi Cocoa Farmers, a group farmers in the Western North region has staged a protest over the reduction in the producer price of cocoa, which they say is negatively affecting their livelihoods.
The farmers claim the price of cocoa has dropped from GH¢3,600 to GH¢2,587, despite the rising cost of farm inputs, transportation, and the general cost of living. According to them, the new price makes cocoa farming increasingly unprofitable.
Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Save the Cocoa Farmer” and “Our Labour Deserves Better Pay, and others,the demonstrators marched through the principal streets of Sefwi-Wiawso, calling on the government to urgently intervene and review the pricing decision.
Some of the protesting farmers warned that if the situation is not addressed, many may be forced to abandon their farms, a move they fear could negatively affect cocoa production.
However, not all cocoa farmers share the same view. While acknowledging the challenges caused by the price reduction, some farmers have distanced themselves from the street protest, suggesting that dialogue with government authorities would be a more effective approach.
Others have also called for calm, urging the government to introduce support measures such as subsidies on farm inputs to cushion farmers against the impact of the reduced price.
The protest was largely peaceful, although it caused a temporary disruption to traffic in parts of the municipality. Security personnel were deployed to maintain calm and order.
The farmers say they will continue to engage relevant authorities until their concerns are addressed.
