Debate over the reduction in cocoa producer prices dominated proceedings in the Parliament of Ghana on Valentine’s Day, as a symbolic gesture to mark National Chocolate Week gave way to sharp political exchanges.
The Minority Caucus of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) declined chocolates distributed by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dzifa Gomashie, arguing that the celebration rang hollow amid concerns from cocoa farmers over reduced earnings.
The government recently adjusted the producer price of cocoa from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per 64-kilogramme bag — a move the Minority described as a “haircut” that has deepened hardship for farmers.
Speaking during deliberations, NPP MP for Bosome-Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, maintained that distributing chocolates in Parliament was misplaced at a time when cocoa producers were dissatisfied with the new pricing structure.
Similarly, NPP MP for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, alleged that some farmers had begun cutting down their cocoa trees in protest against the reduced prices.
However, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga criticised the Minority for what he described as attempts to inflame tensions among farmers. He argued that encouraging chocolate consumption was essential to sustaining demand within the cocoa value chain, rhetorically asking, “If everyone stopped eating chocolate, who would fund the farmers?”
In a moment that lightened the charged atmosphere, Mr Ayariga jokingly suggested that Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh may have quietly pocketed some of the chocolates he publicly rejected, prompting laughter across the chamber.
Beyond the theatrics, the cocoa pricing decision has ignited nationwide discussion. While some Ghanaians support the government’s broader reform agenda for the cocoa sector, others contend that the reduction contradicts earlier assurances regarding producer payments.
The parliamentary exchange underscores how economic policy decisions continue to reverberate beyond farms and into the heart of national political debate.
