News
New cocoa price could lead farmers into smuggling across borders – Minority warns government
The Minority in Parliament has warned that the new cocoa producer price announced by government could push farmers to smuggle their cocoa across Ghana’s borders in search of better prices.
The Minority indicated that the GH¢3,228.75 per 64kg bag offered for the 2025/2026 cocoa season was too low and did not match the current market conditions.
They explained that the new price was only a 4.2% increase from the previous season’s GH¢3,100, describing it as unfair and a betrayal of the hard work of cocoa farmers.
In a statement signed by the Ranking Member on the Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee, Dr. Isaac Yaw Opoku, affirmed that cocoa farmers deserved better.
He noted that the low price could tempt many to smuggle cocoa into Côte d’Ivoire, where farmers were reportedly receiving the equivalent of GH¢3,635 per bag, GH¢407 more than in Ghana.
“This gap in price presents a strong reason for smuggling, especially in border areas like Western North, Western South, Brong Ahafo and Volta,” the minority stated.
They questioned why campaign promises made by leading government officials, including Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson and Agriculture Minister Dr. Eric Opoku, had not been fulfilled.
They recalled that both ministers promised cocoa farmers between GH¢6,000 and GH¢7,000 per bag if the NDC came to power.
They also pointed to the President’s earlier pledge to pay 70% of the world market price to farmers.
According to them, the current global price of $8,211.23 per tonne should translate to GH¢3,718 per bag, not GH¢3,228.75.
The group expressed worry about the announced price saying that it was “unacceptable”, describing it as “ridiculous, shameful and a stab in the back of farmers.”
They urged the government to immediately review the price and show more commitment to improving the welfare of cocoa farmers, warning that the industry could suffer if farmers turn away from cocoa or lease their farms to illegal miners.
“The government must come again. Cocoa farmers matter and they deserve better,” the minority reminded.
By: Jacob Aggrey
MTN Ghana is marking 30 years of operations with a renewed pledge to serve as a strategic partner in Ghana’s national development, announcing major investments in fibre infrastructure, network modernisation and sustainable digital platforms to carry the country into its next chapter of digital transformation.
The milestone was officially launched on May 14, at MTN House in Accra, under the theme “30 Years of Progress, Powered by You,” at an event attended by the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr Samuel Nartey George, and a cross-section of the media.
Speaking at the launch, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Mr Stephen Blewett, described the anniversary as more than a corporate celebration, calling it a uniquely Ghanaian story shaped by connection, inclusion and shared progress over three decades.
Mr Blewett said MTN Ghana was positioning itself for the next phase of Ghana’s digital economy, with targeted investments in fibre expansion, core network modernisation and advanced technologies that will support productivity, innovation and economic growth across sectors.
“The next phase of Ghana’s development will be built on mobile platforms on farms, in markets, in clinics, classrooms and creative studios. Technology will remove geography as a disadvantage and open Ghanaian talent to the world,” he stated.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam George, congratulated MTN Ghana on its 30-year milestone, describing it as part of a broader national success story in which Ghana’s telecommunications sector has evolved into a modern, mobile first, data driven ecosystem serving tens of millions of subscribers.
Within that journey, the Minister said, MTN Ghana has played a distinctive and influential role, citing its early introduction of GSM technology, leadership in Mobile Money, continued network investments, listing on the Ghana Stock Exchange and contribution as one of Ghana’s largest corporate taxpayers.
The government, he said, remains committed to working with industry players, including MTN, to address shared challenges such as rural connectivity, infrastructure protection, cyber security, digital skills development and environmental sustainability.
As part of activities planned nationwide, customers will have the opportunity to participate in anniversary promotions featuring a wide range of exciting prizes to be won, as MTN celebrates the people who have powered its journey over the past three decades.
By Spectator Reporter
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
