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Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted the government's commitment to improving the standard of living of cocoa farmers by ensuring they receive better benefits for their hard work.
Speaking at the very first stakeholder engagement on farmers' incomes in Accra on Tuesday, June 11, 2019, the vice president urged stakeholders in the cocoa value chain, including the Trade Trade houses, cocoa processors and chocolate manufacturers, to join the governments of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire. address the large income disparity between farmers and end-users of cocoa products.
With 65% of global production, Ghana and Ivory Coast are cooperating to meet the common challenges of cocoa production and marketing and to create a platform for effective engagement of traders, processors , manufacturers and retailers in all relevant areas. issues of mutual interest, including farmers' income.
Referring to the poor income that farmers receive for unsatisfactory efforts to grow golden beans, Vice-President Bawumia is concerned that the majority of farmers are unable to support their families at home. beyond simple poverty, describing the situation as "unreasonable."
"It is surprising to learn from the president of the World Cocoa Foundation that only 6% of the total value of chocolate goes to farmers. The percentage may be lower in the case of end-uses in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, "said Vice President Bawumia.
"It is for this purpose that our governments (Ghana and Ivory Coast) have agreed to offer farmers a fair share of the wealth generated by the industry. We have to do it for a good reason. "
Vice President Bawumia noted that the social and economic status of the average cocoa farmer in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire did not attract the attention of the next generation of cocoa farmers, which put the sector at risk for the national economy, both for its contribution to employment and for security. to GDP.
Explaining that the cocoa supply chain extends from landowners / farmers and farmers to buying agents, transporters, processors or cocoa grinders to manufacturers, Vice President Bawumia s & # 39; It is asked whether the wealth generated throughout the value chain was distributed equitably throughout the supply chain. it may not be the case.
"The levels of poverty among cocoa farmers who are both both supply chain and value chain continue to cause concern. The irony here is that the major risk takers are also powerless price takers. "
The Ghanaian government, said Vice President Bawumia, has helped the Ghana Cocoa Board implement various interventions allowing farmers to improve the productivity of their farm, preserve the ecosystem and discourage practices. work contrary to ethics. However, without a favorable price, the efforts of these efforts will not be enough to change the situation of the farmer.
"Ladies and gentlemen, a satisfying price for cocoa beans will go a long way toward complementing government investments in rural infrastructure and improving the well-being of communities.
"At today's meeting in Accra, we are asking for your commitment to help meet the calls to ensure a livelihood for farmers beyond the poverty line." We need to develop a program and a road map to meet this challenge.
"We hope to reach a consensus with you on this subject. The governments of Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire are united in improving the living conditions of cocoa farmers and enhancing the efficiency of our national supply chains, "said the vice president.
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