Stop Comparing New Cocoa Price to That Cote D’Ivoire – General Agricultural Workers’ Union Secretary Fumes At Gov’t | General News

The General Secretary of the General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU), Edward Kareweh is asking the government to stop comparing Ghana to Cote D’Ivoire when it comes to the production and pricing of cocoa.

The Ivory Coast on Saturday confirmed it is set to raise farmgate prices for cocoa by 11% whereas the new price in Ghana represents a 63.5% increment of the previous one.

The price of cocoa in Ghana has moved from GH¢800.00 per bag to GH¢1,308.00 per bag.

In an interview with Peace FM News, Mr. Edward Kareweh, said that cost of living and the expenditure of farmers within the two countries are different, hence using one as the standard for the other is unacceptable.

Mr. Kareweh stressed that the current increase in cocoa price for the 2023/2024 season is nothing to write home about.

He said, “Why should we think that when we increase producer price more than Cote D’Ivoire it should be something to be celebrated.?”

He further stated emphatically that we should measure our price increases with that of the cost of living in Ghana and how we are going to induce more cocoa production.

He made these comments in reaction to commentaries by NPP faithful who were comparing the difference in the cocoa price in both countries.

Mr. Kareweh added that the major challenge is not about cocoa price increase but it is about ensuring that cocoa production becomes more effective.

He said we should encourage the youth to partake in the cocoa production else a time will where we will lose our to Galamsey operations