𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗺𝘀𝗲𝘆 – 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗿𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗼

The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Western North Regional Communications Director, Harry Addo, has accused the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) of deliberately underpaying cocoa farmers as part of what he calls a “calculated plan to grow galamsey.”

Speaking on Kessben FM’s Democracy political show, Harry Addo argued that the government’s decision to keep cocoa prices artificially low is forcing farmers into economic hardship, making them more likely to sell their lands to illegal miners.

“This is not just bad policy—it’s a deliberate, demotivating tactic. Low cocoa prices create frustration among farmers, making them more vulnerable to the quick cash offers from galamsey operators.” he stated.

He explained that the situation aligns with what behavioural economics calls “push-pull motivation,” where farmers are pushed away from cocoa farming through economic difficulty, while being pulled towards illegal mining by promises of fast money.

Harry Addo cited viral videos showing farmers cutting down cocoa trees and inviting galamsey operators to take over their farms as evidence of the growing crisis.

He criticised the NDC leadership for failing to recognise the direct link between low cocoa prices and the expansion of illegal mining activities.

“The NDC’s denial of this reality only exposes their ignorance of how economic incentives influence human behaviour,” he said. “It is clear the current government’s interest is GOLDBOD, not COCOBOD. Our cocoa industry is facing its worst existential threat.”

His remarks come amid calls from the Minority in Parliament for an immediate upward adjustment in the cocoa price. They argue that paying farmers GH₵6,000 per bag—as pledged during the 2024 campaign—would make cocoa farming more profitable, deter smuggling, and reduce the lure of illegal mining.

Harry Addo concluded with a call to action: “We must seek justice for our cocoa farmers and save the cocoa industry before it’s too late.”