When Propaganda Wins Elections, Cocoa Prices Will Expose You – Master Planner Writes

Pages 41–42 of the NDC’s 2024 manifesto outline more than 21 promises made to cocoa farmers. Readers are encouraged to revisit those commitments after considering the issues raised in this article.

During the 2024 election campaign, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) made bold and appealing assurances to Ghana’s cocoa farmers. At rallies across cocoa-growing communities, the party pledged that under its administration, the producer price of cocoa would be increased to GH₵6,000 per bag.

The promise sparked excitement and renewed hope among farmers who have endured years of demanding labour, volatile global prices, climate-related setbacks, and rising input costs.

Today, however, that pledge has come under scrutiny. Instead of implementing the proposed GH₵6,000 per bag, the current administration has reduced the producer price from GH₵3,100 per bag—paid under the previous government—to GH₵2,587 per bag.

What Changed?

Farmers are now asking critical questions:

• What happened to the promised GH₵6,000 per bag?
• Why has the price decreased rather than increased?
• Were the campaign figures grounded in economic reality?

Cocoa farming remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s economy, sustaining millions of households, particularly in the Bono East, Ashanti, Western North, and Eastern Regions. Any reduction in producer prices has direct consequences for school fees, healthcare, farm maintenance, and household stability.

Under the previous administration, farmers received GH₵3,100 per bag despite global economic pressures. While challenges persisted, that price provided a relatively more stable income base than what farmers currently face.

The drop to GH₵2,587 per bag represents not only a financial setback but also a perceived breach of trust among farmers who voted in anticipation of improved earnings.

Campaign seasons often feature ambitious declarations. However, governance requires fiscal discipline, transparency, and realistic planning. When promises lack a clear implementation strategy, it is ordinary citizens—particularly cocoa farmers—who bear the consequences.

The broader lesson underscores the need for credibility in leadership. Commitments made during campaigns must be backed by practical policies and sustainable economic planning.
Ghana’s cocoa farmers deserve consistency, fairness, and honesty in policy decisions.

Master Planner Junior
Policy Analyst – Kintampo