Mahama's government will pay cocoa farmers realistic prices – Asiedu Nketia Jnr

Dr. Kwaku Asiedu Nketiah Jnr., the Vice Chairman of the NDC's National Youth Working Committee, has urged cocoa farmers in the country to vote overwhelmingly for the party and its flag bearer, former President John Mahama to rescue them from hardship.

The youth activist who is also a farmer emphasised that the Akufo-Addo government has short-changed farmers on many occasions since assuming power in 2017.

For instance, he said the government under Akufo-Addo and Bawumia cancelled a free fertiliser programme initiated by the erstwhile NDC government for farmers, adding that the current cocoa producer price is a total rip off.

In a community engagement with first time voters in the Dormaa West District in the Bono Region, Dr Asiedu Nketiah Jnr stated that cocoa farmers in neighbouring Togo and Ivory Coast have better cocoa prices than Ghana because their governments care for them, unlike Ghana.

He then urged them to vote against Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, a protégé of Akufo-Addo who aided the President to impoverish farmers.

He made these remarks at Yaw Wusukrom, near Nkrankwanta, while touring his home region.

Yaw Wusukrom is a farming community in the Dormaa West Constituency, with a population of over 1,000 people, most of whom are cocoa farmers. The area is known for growing cash crops like cashew and cocoa, and its vast forests provide timber, which generates foreign exchange for the country. However, despite these resources, the area looks neglected after eight years of the Akufo-Addo administration.

Local people in the area believe the government is punishing them for voting overwhelmingly for the NDC.

As part of his tour, Dr. Asiedu Nketiah Jnr. highlighted the projects the NDC has undertaken in the area since the constituency was established in June 2012.

In his view, the people require better roads, healthcare facilities, and access to potable water to survive.

He alleged that the NPP has resorted to vote-buying and has urged the people to be wise and vote against them.

"The NPP has started sharing money to buy your votes because their internal polls have pointed to a loss. Take the money when they offer it to you, because it's your own money, and vote against them," he said.

Dr. Asiedu Nketiah Jr. also accused the government of short-changing farmers in the area by selling them fertilizers that were meant to be free. With the new cocoa price increment, Dr. Asiedu Nketiah Jr. said the farmers were being cheated, while assuring them that the John Mahama government will restore the good policies they were enjoying.

He was accompanied by former MCE for Berekum, Hon. Lord Opoku Stephen, the MP for the area, Vincent Oppong Asamoah, NDC Bono Communication Officer Charles Akowuah, and Bono NDC Youth Organizer Kwaku Rooney.