Opposition MPs have criticised the Mahama government over plans to acquire a new presidential jet and four helicopters, saying the move comes at a time when cocoa farmers are struggling with falling producer prices and delayed payments.
The Minority in Parliament said the government should focus on addressing challenges in the cocoa sector instead of pursuing new aircraft purchases.
The criticism follows reports that Ghana intends to acquire additional aircraft for presidential travel by November 2026, according to comments by the Executive Secretary to President John Dramani Mahama.
Speaking during a tour of cocoa-growing communities in the Ashanti Region, Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh said the government’s priorities were misplaced.
“If you can borrow money to buy a jet but can’t borrow to pay cocoa farmers, then during election time, the jet will go and vote for you,” the Nsawam/Adoagyiri MP said.
The Minority said the recent reduction in the cocoa producer price had worsened conditions for farmers across the country.
Isaac Yaw Opoku, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, alleged that authorities may be considering another cut in the producer price and urged farmers to demand fair treatment.
He described the 28.6% reduction in the cocoa producer price – from 3,625 Ghana cedis ($) to 2,587 cedis per bag – as unfair to farmers.
Farmers in the communities of Dannso and Asante Akyem Ofoase said the new price barely covers the rising cost of labour, fertiliser and transportation, warning that the cut threatens their livelihoods.
Some farmers also criticised the ruling National Democratic Congress government, saying the move contradicts assurances given ahead of the 2024 elections.
They warned they could stage a picketing protest if the government fails to restore the previous price.
The Minority has begun a five-day tour of cocoa-growing communities in the Ashanti Region to gather concerns from farmers and push for policy responses to the challenges facing the sector.
