Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, John Dumelo, has urged cocoa farmers not to cut down their cocoa trees despite the recent drop in producer prices, assuring them that the government is working to stabilise the sector.
According to him, fluctuations in cocoa prices are largely influenced by global market conditions and are not unique to Ghana.
Dumelo made the remarks while speaking to Citi News on the sidelines of the special launch of the 70th anniversary celebration of Akuafo Hall at the University of Ghana.
The Deputy Minister, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, encouraged farmers to remain patient and continue nurturing their cocoa farms while the government works to address the challenges facing the industry.
“When you go to Ivory Coast, the price is even cheaper than Ghana so it is not even worth it to smuggle cocoa there. It is about the world cocoa prices. The cocoa farmers shouldn’t cut down the trees. They should stand firm, government will pay them,” he said.