Cocoa farmers at Gomoa Mampong in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region have expressed deep frustration over the deplorable state of roads linking their farms to market centres, as well as what they describe as low cocoa producer prices.
According to the farmers, the poor road network continues to hamper the transportation of cocoa beans from their farms to buying centres.
Speaking in an interview with Nana Ansah, the farmers said vehicles frequently break down due to the poor condition of the roads, especially during the rainy season. This, they noted, leads to delays, post-harvest losses, and additional transportation costs.
Beyond the road challenges, the farmers also lamented what they consider to be unsatisfactory cocoa pricing. They argue that the current producer price does not reflect the promises made by the government and fails to match the rising cost of farming inputs and labour.
The farmers are therefore calling on the government and relevant authorities, particularly the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), to review the producer price and take urgent steps to rehabilitate the roads to ease their burden.
Meanwhile, the Kyidomhemaa of Gomoa Mampong, Nana Akyere Nkofoa Sika, has urged Ghanaian politicians not to politicise cocoa pricing but instead develop a long-term, sustainable plan to support cocoa farmers and encourage increased production.
Nana Ansah, Oyerepa Central Regional Correspondent
