Government has ordered the suspension of cocoa purchases nationwide - Annoh-Dompreh alleges

Frank Annoh-Dompreh, Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, has alleged that the government has directed Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to suspend cocoa purchases nationwide, causing distress among farmers. He said this directive has left many cocoa farmers unable to sell their produces at a time when they are already grappling with a reduction in producer prices. Speaking during a visit to Offinso in the Ashanti Region on Sunday, March 16, 2026, Annoh-Dompreh said the development signals what he described as a lack of support for farmers who form the backbone of Ghana's cocoa industry.

Annoh-Dompreh claimed that "The government has directed Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to suspend cocoa purchases nationwide, causing distress among Ghanaian cocoa farmers, while Ivory Coast continues buying activities." He made these remarks when a delegation of the Minority Caucus in Parliament paid a courtesy call on the Paramount Chief of the Offinso Traditional Area, Nana Dwamena Akenten II, during the celebration of the Akwasidae Festival. Annoh-Dompreh, who belongs to the NPP, argued that the decision to suspend cocoa purchases could worsen the financial strain on farmers. He maintained that while fluctuations in international cocoa prices are not new, Ghana has historically had mechanisms to cushion farmers from the full impact of such changes.

According to Annoh-Dompreh, the current administration of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has failed to effectively use those systems to protect farmers. He added that "The reactions from farmers show they are unhappy and uncomfortable with the price cut." Despite his criticisms, Annoh-Dompreh said the visit of cocoa communities is not intended to be confrontational but rather to engage farmers and better understand the challenges they are facing.