Mahama blames government for decline in cocoa production, cites mismanagement

John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), has blamed the current government for the decline in Ghana’s cocoa production, attributing it to mismanagement and widespread embezzlement.

Speaking during a meeting with the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs as part of his campaign tour, Mr. Mahama criticized the government’s handling of the cocoa sector, highlighting its impact on farmers and the industry’s financial stability.

Mr. Mahama pointed to the collapse of key state institutions, which he said thrived during his tenure, as a result of poor governance and the misappropriation of funds.

“Just look at the cocoa industry—they haven’t been able to manage it well. The amounts of money they borrowed abroad were embezzled at the headquarters,” he said, referencing the 2023 budget of GH₵3.4 billion allocated to the cocoa sector.

The former President argued that the mismanagement of funds has left cocoa farmers underpaid, leading to lower production.

“When cocoa farmers are not well paid, they won’t be able to harvest the cocoa beans. Farmers need to know that cocoa is valuable in order to take good care of it,” he explained, adding that the embezzlement at the headquarters has drained the cocoa sector.

Mr. Mahama also lamented the decline of the Produce Buying Company (PBC), which he said was functioning efficiently during his administration. He criticized the excessive borrowing under the current government, stating that it had contributed to the collapse of the PBC.

Earlier this year, COCOBOD announced a decline in cocoa production for the 2023/2024 crop season, citing factors such as the ongoing climate crisis. However, Mr. Mahama’s remarks suggest that financial mismanagement is a major contributing factor to the sector’s struggles.