The primary opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has accused the government of exploiting cocoa farmers by undervaluing their produce throughout the country.

According to the NDC, cocoa is presently commanding a price of $3,600 per bag on the international market. However, the government is compensating Ghanaian farmers only GHS 1,308.00 per bag, a situation that the NDC deems unfair.

At the commencement of the 2023/2024 cocoa season, the government declared a new cocoa price. The price per bag was raised from GH¢800.00 to GH¢1,308.00, and the per-ton price surged from GH¢12,800.00 to GH¢20,943.00. This represented a substantial 63.5 percent increase compared to the previous price.

The NDC asserts that this price adjustment is insufficient and amounts to exploitation of hardworking cocoa farmers.

Mr. Eric Opoku, the Ranking Member on the Food and Beverages Committee of Parliament, expressed his concerns about the government's offer during an interview on The Citizens Show on Accra 100.5 FM, hosted by Nana Ama Agyarko on September 14, 2023.

Mr. Opoku pointed out that there is a scarcity of cocoa on the international market, a fact acknowledged by the International Cocoa Organization (ICO). This shortage has driven cocoa demand to unprecedented levels. He further explained that such a significant price surge has not been witnessed since 1970, primarily due to production shortages in premium cocoa from Ghana and Ivory Coast.

Under normal circumstances, Mr. Opoku argued, cocoa farmers should be reaping significant benefits from the high cocoa prices spurred by the global shortage. However, he believes that the government's actions are unjust, as it is providing farmers with a meager sum while profiting immensely from the unprecedented cocoa prices.

According to Mr. Opoku, this situation represents a clear case of the government taking advantage of ordinary farmers at the expense of their rightful earnings.