COCOBOD Crisis: Farmers need clear solutions, not assurances – Miracles Aboagye

Political communicator Miracles Aboagye has criticised the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) over the handling of the ongoing cocoa payment crisis, saying farmers need clear solutions rather than assurances.

According to him, he was not inspired after listening to the COCOBOD CEO, Dr.Randy Abbey’s address the issue, especially after the crisis has persisted for several months.

“I listened to the COCOBOD CEO and I wasn’t inspired. This crisis started as far back as November 2025, and here we are in February 2026, still telling farmers you’re looking for solutions. That is not assurance,” he said.

Mr. Aboagye described the situation as a sign of leadership failure, arguing that after four months, government should have clearly outlined concrete measures to resolve the problem.

He questioned how long farmers are expected to wait, stressing that continued delays are discouraging and deeply worrying, especially as the country prepares to enter the main cocoa crop season.

He said he had visited several cocoa-growing communities and interacted directly with farmers, some of whom have not been paid for months.

According to him, the situation is pushing some farmers to consider selling their cocoa farms to illegal small-scale miners, commonly known as galamsey operators, who are offering immediate cash.

“The offers from galamsey operators are tempting. If farmers work hard and government delays their money, they may be forced to destroy cocoa farms just to survive,” he warned.

Mr. Aboagye described the situation as dangerous for the future of cocoa farming, noting that cocoa farms are long-term investments that support families across generations.

He cited examples of cocoa farms passed down through families over decades, stressing that cocoa farming is more sustainable than illegal mining, which destroys land and leaves communities worse off.

He also appealed to farmers not to give up their farms despite the challenges, urging them to think about future generations.

Mr. Aboagye called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to treat the cocoa crisis with urgency, saying the complaints from farmers are genuine and not exaggerated.

“The complaints are real. I have been to the farms. I have listened to the farmers. What they are saying on the airwaves is exactly what they are experiencing on the ground,” he said.

He added that cocoa farmers are facing rising living costs and need immediate support to survive.

The cocoa payment delays have sparked growing public concern, with calls mounting for government and COCOBOD to act swiftly to protect farmers and the cocoa sector.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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