The Minority in Parliament says it is prepared to summon Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson to appear before the House over delays in payments to cocoa farmers.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin described the matter as urgent.
He noted that the government has not fully paid farmers for cocoa supplied during the 2024/2025 planting season, raising serious concerns about their livelihoods.
“This is a House of Parliament, a platform of the people’s representatives. This is where we discuss national issues. The cocoa farmers in Volta, Ashanti, Bono, and Western North regions have been denied their dues,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
“If the Majority Leader will not bring the Finance Minister, we, the Minority, will use the appropriate laws available to us to summon the Finance Minister.”
He stressed that the issue transcends partisan lines, describing it as a national economic concern that directly affects the livelihoods of thousands of cocoa farmers.
The delays in payments have reportedly left many cocoa farmers frustrated, as they depend on timely compensation to prepare for the next planting season.
These payments are essential for land preparation, buying farm inputs, repaying loans, and meeting household expenses.
When payments are delayed, the effects go beyond the farmers.
Rural economies can suffer, with local businesses, transport operators, and agricultural supply chains all feeling the impact.
The Minority is therefore demanding that Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson appear before Parliament to explain the reasons for the delays, address any funding shortfalls in the cocoa sector, and outline steps being taken to stabilise the industry.
Afenyo-Markin issued the warning amid increasing pressure from cocoa-growing communities for the government to speed up payments and ensure farmers receive what they are owed on time.
TAGGED:delayed payments to cocoa farmersFinance minister Cassiel Ato ForsonMinority in ParliamentMinority leader Alexander Afenyo-Markinparliament of Ghana
SOURCES:The Ghana Report
