Political Interference, Monopoly Undermining Ghana’s Cocoa Sector — Frimpong-Addo

Former Deputy Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Frimpong-Addo, has blamed political interference and long-standing monopoly structures for the challenges currently facing Ghana’s cocoa sector.

Speaking in an interview conducted by Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannanso on Opemsuo Radio, Hon. Frimpong-Addo called for the removal of politics from cocoa management, stressing that professionals and farmers should be allowed to address sector-specific issues.

According to him, cocoa production in Ghana is largely driven by small-scale farmers who continue to struggle despite their central role in the global cocoa value chain.

“Cocoa farmers are not rich. Most of them are very poor, and in Ghana we do not practise commercial cocoa farming,” he stated.

Hon. Frimpong-Addo expressed concern that frequent political changes in the management of cocoa institutions have weakened the sector over time.

He explained that when new governments assume office, experienced officers within cocoa-related agencies are often transferred or sidelined, leading to a loss of institutional memory and technical expertise.

“When a new government comes in, those managing cocoa are either transferred or pushed to remote areas. We lose their experience and bring in new people who may not understand the system,” he said.

The former Deputy Minister also criticised the monopoly structure governing cocoa marketing, describing it as outdated and restrictive.

He argued that the inability of farmers to sell cocoa outside the existing system limits efficiency and innovation in the sector.

“Until we liberalise cocoa sales and allow private sector participation within the law, these problems will persist. The monopoly has existed for too long,” he added.

Hon. Frimpong-Addo maintained that meaningful reforms, free from excessive political influence, are necessary to strengthen Ghana’s cocoa industry and ensure sustainability for future generations.