The Minority has backlashed the government for its decision to use $5 million out of the cocoa loan to purchase chocolate.
According to them, it is a misplaced priority of the government and misuse of public funds.
Speaking on Okay FM’s 'Ade Akye Abia' program, Minority spokesperson on Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, Eric Opoku explained that the $5 million can be used to construct roads and also improve cocoa production in the country.
"The government is insensitive to the plight of cocoa farmers, because to use such a huge amount to purchase chocolate for cocoa farmers is wrong and a misplaced priority," he argued.
"If the government has received money for cocoa farmers, why don’t they distribute the money to the farmers or invest the money into the cocoa sector which is the backbone of the economy rather than using a chunk of it to purchase chocolates for school children?" he asked.
“The government wants to buy the chocolates for students with funds meant to increase cocoa production. What sense does this make?” the former Brong Ahafo Regional Minister said.
To him, the move is counterproductive and a clear diversion of funds which will not help the cocoa sector bedeviled with loads of challenges.
He noted that they are aware the NPP government promised 'one child, one chocolate' and going into elections next year, the government wants to fulfill its campaign promise.
"But this decision is wrongly placed."
Currently, Ghana produces 850,000 tonnes of cocoa, making it the second-highest producer of the cash crop globally, after Cote D’ Ivoire.
The loan which the Akufo-Addo government secured from the African Development Bank (AfDB) is to increase the country’s cocoa production to 1.5 million tonnes in a seven-year development program to transform the cocoa sector – production and processing in the country.
Watch interview below
Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
this guys speaks like he walks with his legs up! shame!
Oh a people with lack of ideas. Government procures $5.0 million worth of chocolates to be produced in Ghana. Look at the production process alone the economic ripples?multiplier it brings even in employment only, fantastic! But Eric Opoku and the NDC do not understand. It is a way of resourcing the CPC with funds and market.It is not just a matter of talking gogogogo like that without any substance. Eric Opoku does not undertand or he just wants to be heard. Now talk of the effect of the chocolates on the development of our children. I believe if Eric had taken chocolates as a child his thinking would have been different and would not have used only his God given talent as an orator to talk but would have been backed by some cogent reasoning
Buying chocolate will enhance business promotion in the cocoa industry.It will also educate our kids to patronize made in Ghana produce so its not a misplaced priority.
I think people begin going mad immediately they won political power in Ghana.lol
During your tenure in office your priority was judgement debt. You gave 51 million to someone for no work done. The school children deserve Hot Chocolate every morning. It is laudable idea. Kudos to government! At least this one it is going to Ghanaian children. We are quick to talk about the cost of everything but not the value.