Mr. Eric Opoku, the Member of Parliament for Asunafo South, recently outlined a series of commitments regarding the welfare of cocoa farmers, emphasizing the necessity for better healthcare and support systems for this vital agricultural community. During a campaign event in Norberkow, attended by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Presidential candidate Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Opoku pointed out the limited access to healthcare for cocoa farmers, noting that Cocoa Clinics are predominantly situated in Accra. He pledged that an incoming NDC government under John Dramani Mahama would establish cocoa clinics in all regional capitals where cocoa is grown, ensuring that farmers and their families can receive essential health services locally.
In addition to healthcare, Mr. Opoku promised that the next NDC administration would enroll cocoa farmers and their families in a comprehensive free National Health Insurance scheme. He criticized the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for allegedly exploiting cocoa farmers through inadequate support and schemes. Opoku expressed that Mahama’s administration would focus on the welfare of farmers by providing them with a robust pension package, contrasting it with the NPP’s approach, which he claims involves deducting from farmers’ produce purportedly to fund a pension scheme.
Mr. Opoku also addressed the economic aspects of cocoa farming, pledging that the NDC would ensure a fair farm gate price for cocoa. He condemned the current pricing set by the government as a “rip-off,” suggesting that it failed to reflect the true value of cocoa and the hard work that farmers invest. By promising a better pricing structure, the NDC aims to enhance the financial stability of cocoa farmers and improve their overall livelihoods.
Furthermore, the MP assured that the NDC government would reinstate the free fertilizer policy, which had previously supported cocoa farmers in increasing their yields and productivity. This initiative is essential, as fertilizers play a critical role in maintaining crop health and ensuring sustainable farming practices. The promise of free fertilizers indicates a commitment to not only support farmers’ immediate needs but also to enhance long-term agricultural sustainability.
In a broader perspective, Opoku’s statements reflect the NDC’s understanding of the crucial role cocoa farming plays in the country’s economy and the need for dedicated policies to uplift this sector. He urged cocoa farmers to vote for Mahama in the upcoming elections, framing the choice as pivotal for the implementation of these farmer-friendly policies. The NDC’s campaign strategy thus focuses on addressing the pressing needs of cocoa farmers, emphasizing an empathetic approach to governance that seeks to directly improve the lives of a significant portion of the agricultural workforce.
In conclusion, the pledges made by Mr. Eric Opoku during the campaign highlight a comprehensive vision for supporting cocoa farmers in Ghana. By prioritizing healthcare, fair economic practices, pensions, and agricultural support, the NDC aims to transform the landscape for cocoa farmers, alleviating some of the challenges they currently face. As the December 7 elections approach, the focus on these issues may significantly influence the voting decisions of cocoa-growing communities, potentially shaping the future policies relating to this crucial sector in Ghana’s economy.
