The Forum for Accountability and Development of Sefwi (FADOS), a civil society organization, has officially petitioned the Ghana Police Service in the Western North Region regarding a planned demonstration aimed at highlighting delays in payments to cocoa farmers.
In the petition, FADOS explained that the protest seeks to draw national attention to the financial struggles cocoa farmers have faced due to payment delays lasting more than three months.
The organization emphasized that these delays have significantly affected farmers’ livelihoods, leaving many unable to cover basic household expenses, settle debts, or adequately prepare for the upcoming farming season.
FADOS underscored that cocoa farming is the economic lifeline for numerous communities in the Western North Region. It warned that the prolonged delays in payments have broader implications, including disruptions to children’s schooling and negative impacts on local economies.
In their communication with the Regional Police Command, FADOS pledged to conduct the demonstration peacefully and in full compliance with the Public Order Act. The group also requested police protection before, during, and after the protest to ensure public safety and maintain law and order.
Finally, FADOS called on the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and other relevant authorities to take immediate action and release the pending payments to relieve the financial hardships facing cocoa farmers in the region.
