Former Bono Regional Deputy Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Asare Baffour, has criticized the decision to reduce staff salaries at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), describing the move as unnecessary and unfair to cocoa farmers.

According to him, cocoa farmers have already borne the brunt of recent economic adjustments, following what he says is nearly a 30 percent reduction in cocoa prices.

Speaking in an interview with Ama Konadu on ‘Adea Akye Abia’ morning show at Sompa Fm-Sunyani, Mr. Baffour stated that if COCOBOD found it necessary to cut staff salaries, the percentage reduction should have reflected the same margin imposed on farmers.

“The farmers who really suffered on the field work have had their cocoa prices reduced by almost 30 percent. If COCOBOD wanted to reduce staff salaries, then it should have been by the same percentage, not 20 percent. This is unfair,” he said.

Mr. Baffour also expressed disappointment in the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), accusing the party of failing to fulfill campaign promises made to cocoa farmers.

He claimed the NDC had pledged during the 2024 election period to increase cocoa prices by between 6,000 and 7,000 cedis. However, he alleges that after winning power, the government instead reduced cocoa prices.

“We are all in this country. The government promised to increase cocoa prices by 6,000 to 7,000 cedis, but after being voted into power, they have reduced it. If you knew you could not increase it, why reduce it? The farmers feel deceived,” he added.

He described the situation as unfortunate and stressed that farmers deserve fair and equitable treatment.

 Sompanline.com/Derrick Djan