The Member of Parliament for Akim Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has blamed President John Dramani Mahama and Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson for what he describes as a deepening crisis in Ghana’s cocoa sector, insisting that the troubles cannot be laid solely at the feet of COCOBOD’s Chief Executive.
Speaking on ABC In The Morning on Friday, February 13, 2026, Mr. Acquah said, “The President and the Finance Minister have plunged us into this calamity; Randy Abbey alone cannot be blamed.”
His comments come amid growing concerns over falling producer prices, mounting debts, and uncertainty within the cocoa industry.
The Akim Oda legislator argued that attempts to single out COCOBOD Chief Executive Randy Abbey for criticism overlook the broader economic and policy decisions taken at the highest levels of government.
According to him, the current administration under the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has mismanaged the cocoa sector, leading to financial instability and loss of confidence among cocoa farmers.
“COCOA CRISIS: The NDC government has mismanaged the cocoa sector,” he stated, accusing the government of failing to put in place prudent measures to protect farmers and sustain the industry.
Mr. Acquah further alleged that the Finance Minister had deceived cocoa farmers with promises that have not been fulfilled, particularly with regard to producer prices and financial support.
“COCOA CRISIS: The Finance Minister has deceived cocoa farmers,” he said, adding that farmers are bearing the brunt of policy inconsistencies and delayed interventions.
He warned that the inability of government to guarantee stable and competitive cocoa prices could have dire consequences for the country’s cocoa industry.
“If we can’t guarantee cocoa prices for our people, we may be losing our cocoa industry,” he cautioned.
The MP stressed that cocoa remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy and a primary source of livelihood for hundreds of thousands of farmers. He called for urgent and coordinated action from the Presidency, the Finance Ministry, and COCOBOD to restore confidence and ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.
His remarks add to the intensifying political debate over the management of Ghana’s cocoa industry, as stakeholders continue to weigh in on the challenges confronting one of the country’s most important export sectors.
