By Daniel Agbesi Latsu
Kadjebi (O/R), May 15, GNA – Members of the Kadjebi District Assembly in the Oti Region have expressed anger and frustration over delays in the payment of cocoa beans purchased from farmers since November 2025, describing the situation as unfair and unbearable.
The assembly members made the call during a District Assembly sitting attended by officials of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), urging immediate payment to alleviate the hardships facing cocoa farmers and their families.
Mr Bright Kwaku Ankamah, Assembly Member for the Pampawie Electoral Area, said the prolonged delay had worsened the living conditions of many farming households.
He disclosed that his pregnant wife required medical attention, but he was unable to raise funds for hospital care because proceeds from cocoa sales remained unpaid.
Mr Ankamah further revealed that his father, who suffers from high blood pressure, experienced frequent health complications whenever discussions about the unpaid cocoa beans arose.
“We are really suffering. Farmers depend on cocoa proceeds to take care of their families, children’s education and healthcare. The delay is creating serious hardship,” he lamented.
Mr Philip Obornie, Assembly Member for the Dodo-Amanfrom North Electoral Area, shared similar concerns and questioned the reasons behind the prolonged delay.
He appealed to COCOBOD and relevant authorities to expedite processes to ensure affected farmers received their payments without further delay.
The Assembly members noted that many cocoa farmers in the district had become financially distressed, as they relied heavily on cocoa income to support their livelihoods and farming activities.
Responding to the concerns, Dr Oliver Mills, Volta Regional Manager of the Cocoa Health and Extension Division of COCOBOD, acknowledged the frustrations and difficulties confronting the farmers.
He assured the Assembly members and cocoa farmers that COCOBOD was aware of their plight and was working to ensure that payments were made soon.
Dr Mills appealed to the farmers to remain calm and patient while efforts were underway to resolve the challenge.
He reiterated COCOBOD’s commitment to supporting cocoa farmers and safeguarding their welfare, noting that the Board recognised the important contribution farmers make to Ghana’s economy through cocoa production.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah