The Member of Parliament for Afigya Kwabre North, Collins Adomako-Mensah, has called on the government to engage cocoa farmers in an honest discussion about the challenges facing the sector.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Thursday, February 12, he warned that failing to be transparent with farmers about current market realities could exacerbate COCOBOD’s financial strain and jeopardize the industry’s sustainability.

According to the MP, shifts in the global cocoa market make it unsustainable for the government to continue purchasing cocoa under previously promised terms without serious consequences — a reality he urged authorities to communicate clearly to farmers.

“The cocoa farmer is now agreeing that there are challenges; however, the government should come clean that this is the situation. So let us bear the brunt now, and when things improve, we will all come together and enjoy. I think that should be the narrative,” he said.

He stressed that authorities must openly explain the situation and encourage shared sacrifice, assuring farmers that future improvements would benefit all stakeholders.

His comments come amid mounting financial pressures in the cocoa sector, with farmers demanding payment of arrears owed over several months. The Minister for Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is expected to outline reform measures to address the crisis.