The Minority Caucus of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Parliament has reportedly rejected chocolates distributed to Members of Parliament to mark National Chocolate Week, protesting the government’s recent reduction in the cocoa producer price.
The chocolates were shared by the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, during a statement on the floor of Parliament commemorating Chocolate Week, which coincided with Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14.
However, members of the NPP Minority declined the symbolic gesture, arguing that the timing was inappropriate given what they describe as worsening hardship for cocoa farmers.
Minority Protests Cocoa Price Reduction
The controversy follows the government’s decision to reduce the cocoa producer price from GH¢3,625 per 64-kilogramme bag to GH¢2,587.
According to the Minority, the price adjustment has negatively affected farmers’ incomes and could undermine morale within Ghana’s cocoa-producing communities.
During parliamentary proceedings, the NPP Member of Parliament for Bosome-Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, said distributing chocolates in the chamber did not reflect the concerns of cocoa farmers who are struggling with reduced earnings.
Similarly, the NPP MP for Weija-Gbawe, Jerry Ahmed Shaib, alleged that some farmers had begun cutting down cocoa trees as a form of protest against the revised pricing structure.
The Minority maintained that government policies must prioritise farmer welfare, particularly in a sector that remains central to Ghana’s economy.
Majority Responds to Allegations
In response, Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Mahama Ayariga, criticised the Minority’s stance, accusing them of attempting to incite cocoa farmers.
Mr Ayariga argued that promoting chocolate consumption remains essential for sustaining the cocoa value chain. He suggested that discouraging symbolic celebrations such as Chocolate Week could send the wrong message about support for the industry.
“If people stopped eating chocolate, who would fund the farmers?” he reportedly asked during the debate.
The Majority maintained that national initiatives like Chocolate Week are designed to promote local consumption and increase awareness of Ghana’s cocoa products both locally and internationally.
Lighter Moment in Parliament
Despite the sharp exchanges, the debate ended on a lighter note when Mr Ayariga jokingly suggested that Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh may have secretly pocketed some chocolates despite the Minority’s protest. He playfully called on parliamentary security to search the MP’s pockets — a remark that reportedly drew laughter across the chamber.
Broader Industry Concerns
Ghana is one of the world’s leading cocoa producers, and producer pricing remains a sensitive issue affecting thousands of farming households. Analysts note that balancing global market pressures with domestic farmer welfare remains a key policy challenge.
As discussions continue, stakeholders across the political divide are expected to keep engaging on how best to sustain the cocoa sector while protecting farmer livelihoods.
