Government Pledges Not To Short-change Cocoa Farmers

The Minority Spokesperson on Agriculture, Dr Owusu Afriyie Akoto, says government must give cocoa farmers the right price of cocoa due them. He said an increase in the Free-on-board price will mean that, farmers will not be short-changed. Speaking on Behind the News, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who is also a ranking member on Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs said the cost of farm inputs has increased. He added that farmers are entitled to the right amount. Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance, Seth Tekper says government will not hesitate to increase the producer price of cocoa when the conditions are ripe for it. He gave the assurance that government is committed to the welfare of cocoa farmers and that plans are far advanced to give farmers new incentives. Reacting to concerns raised by the minority in parliament, Mr Tekper said the NDC has the enviable record of being the only government to have paid 70% of the FDB price to cocoa farmers.