The Member of Parliament for Dormaa West, Honorable Vincent Oppong Asamoah, has advised Ghanaian youths to participate in cocoa farming, highlighting its significant financial potential. As a Board Member of the Ghana COCOBOD, he emphasized the importance of preserving cocoa trees and avoiding actions that could have long-term negative consequences.
Preserving Cocoa Trees
Hon. Asamoah urged cocoa farmers to refrain from cutting down cocoa trees as a form of protest against the recent price adjustment of GH¢128.75. He stressed that cocoa is a valuable asset that must be preserved under all circumstances, and selling cocoa farms for purposes like gold mining may offer temporary financial relief but could result in permanent negative consequences.
Government Support for Cocoa Farmers
The MP assured that the government is committed to providing necessary support to cocoa farmers, including seedlings, insecticides, and other inputs. He encouraged the youth in the Dormaa West District to actively engage in cocoa farming and avoid seeking quick monetary gains that may lead to unfavorable outcomes.
Justification for Cocoa Price Adjustment
Hon. Asamoah justified the recent adjustment in the cocoa price, attributing it to the appreciation of the cedi against the dollar and other international currencies. He emphasized that the government has fulfilled its promise to allocate 70% of the Free on Board (FOB) price to farmers, with the remaining 30% covering expenses incurred by COCOBOD.
Source: thedailytrustgh.com
