Fiifi Boafo, former head of public affairs at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), has blamed current administrative decisions for the sharp reduction in cocoa producer prices, warning that cocoa farmers are unfairly bearing the brunt of mismanagement.
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Friday (13 February), Boafo said the 28% cut in producer prices was avoidable, arguing that COCOBOD under previous administrations had systems in place to prevent mid-season price reductions.
“Every year, before announcing the producer price, COCOBOD would conduct forward sales and market trend analysis to ensure farmers did not face reductions mid-season,” he explained.
Boafo criticised the so-called “reset” approach by the current administration, which involved delaying sales of cocoa until after the producer price was set.
He said this strategy contributed to liquidity challenges at COCOBOD and forced the board to cut farmer payments.
“Any cocoa sold at this time is reducing COCOBOD’s exposure, not protecting the cocoa farmer,” he said.
The former PR head also challenged claims that the collapse of the 32-year syndicated loan model was responsible for the crisis, noting that COCOBOD had successfully financed cocoa production under alternative arrangements during the previous government.
Boafo urged the government to focus on timely sales and proactive planning to prevent similar crises, cautioning against transferring the burden of administrative mistakes to cocoa farmers.
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