Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Food, Agriculture, and Cocoa Affairs Committee, has launched a scathing attack on the government for failing to pay cocoa farmers, many of whom are currently facing severe financial hardship.
The MP for Offinso South noted that farmers in various cocoa-growing communities are reaching a breaking point with the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) over persistent delays in payments for beans supplied as far back as November 2025.
Speaking on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Dr. Opoku highlighted the human cost of the payment backlog.
He noted that many cocoa farmers were unable to celebrate Christmas or the New Year due to lack of funds.
Parents in these communities are reportedly unable to settle school fees or provide for their children’s basic needs.
The MP warned that if these delays continue, they will cripple the livelihoods of farmers and weaken the entire cocoa value chain.
“This government made wild promises but has failed to deliver,” Opoku stated. “We have decided to have the COCOBOD CEO summoned before the House to respond to why cocoa farmers have not been paid.”
Dr. Opoku did not mince words regarding the leadership of the current CEO, Dr. Randy Abbey. He accused the new management of focusing on “needless activities” rather than the welfare of the farmers.
He pointed to redundant staff transfers, duplication of duties, and a general waste of state resources.
He alleged that the government may be looking to reduce the producer price of cocoa, despite previous campaign promises.
Labeling the leadership as ineffective, Dr. Opoku called for the immediate removal of Randy Abbey from office.
The Minority caucus intends to summon the CEO before Parliament upon the resumption of sittings to provide a formal explanation for the delayed payments and the board’s current management strategies.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
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