Offinsomanhene Urges Minority MPs to Champion Cause of Cocoa Farmers

The Offinsomanhene, Nana Dwamena Akenten II, has given his blessing to the Minority Caucus in Parliament, urging its members to serve as strong advocates for cocoa farmers as they embark on a tour of farming communities in the Ashanti Region.

The traditional ruler made the call on Sunday when a delegation of Minority MPs, headed by Frank Annoh-Dompreh, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri and Minority Chief Whip, paid a courtesy call on him and the Offinso Queenmother, Nana Adwoa Afranewaa III. The visit took place during the Akwasidae festival celebrations in Offinso.

The meeting was part of the Minority’s preparations for a week-long engagement with cocoa farmers across the region, set to begin on Monday. Although the lawmakers had originally planned to seek the blessings of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, they were informed that the king was currently outside the country. Consequently, they turned to the Offinsomanhene, who ranks among the senior chiefs of the Ashanti Kingdom and often represents the monarch in his absence.

Addressing the delegation, Nana Dwamena Akenten II encouraged the MPs to rise above partisan lines and focus on the broader national interest in their engagements with farmers. He stressed that the well-being of those who toil on cocoa farms should be a priority for all Ghanaians, regardless of political affiliation.

“Go and speak for the farmers—we are behind you,” the chief urged the lawmakers. He underscored the critical role cocoa farmers play in sustaining the nation’s economy and called for unwavering support for their welfare.

The Offinsomanhene also used the occasion to appeal to Parliament to consider enacting laws that would shield traditional leaders from public ridicule and unfounded allegations. According to him, upholding the dignity and respect of chieftaincy is vital for preserving the country’s cultural fabric and ensuring social cohesion.

Earlier, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, speaking on behalf of the Minority delegation, explained that the group deemed it essential to seek the counsel and blessings of traditional authorities before embarking on their mission. He acknowledged the influential role chiefs play in the daily lives of their people and in the development of rural communities.

Annoh-Dompreh stated that the upcoming tour is intended to give cocoa farmers a direct voice in national discourse. He noted that many farmers have expressed deep concern over recent reductions in cocoa producer prices, delays in payments, and the escalating cost of inputs.

“Our mission is simple: to listen to the cocoa farmer,” Annoh-Dompreh told the chiefs and community members gathered at the Akwasidae grounds. “Every concern raised during this tour will be carried to the floor of Parliament so that we can push for policies that truly improve the livelihoods of those who feed this nation.”

He further revealed that the reduction in cocoa prices—from over GH¢3,500 per bag to approximately GH¢2,500—has been a major source of distress among farmers. The Minority caucus believes these issues demand immediate policy attention and remedial action.

Annoh-Dompreh also indicated that after completing their engagements in the Ashanti Region, the delegation would seek an audience with the Asantehene to present the findings from their interactions with farmers.

This Ashanti Region tour follows a similar initiative carried out by the Minority in cocoa-producing areas of the Eastern Region a few weeks ago. During that exercise, farmers reportedly raised similar grievances, reinforcing the need for a sustained national dialogue on the future of the cocoa sector.

The delegation includes members from key parliamentary committees, including those responsible for Food, Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs, as well as committees on Development and Economic Affairs. The lawmakers say the tour forms part of a broader strategy to gather empirical data that will inform future parliamentary debates and policy proposals.

As the week-long tour kicks off, the MPs are expected to visit multiple farming communities across the Ashanti Region, holding discussions with farmers and documenting their concerns for subsequent presentation in Parliament and to traditional leaders.