The Centre for Democratic Movement (CDM) has sharply condemned the Ghanaian government’s decision to reduce the cocoa producer price to GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag, calling it a “heartless assault on the dignity, livelihood, and survival of Ghana’s cocoa farmers.” In statements issued on February 12, 2026, the movement expressed outrage at the drastic policy change.

CDM labeled the price cut a “monumental betrayal of public trust”, contradicting explicit promises made by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 elections.

The movement recalled President John Dramani Mahama pledges to ensure cocoa farmers earn not less than GH¢6,000 per bag and restore their dignity.

Similarly, Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson had previously stated that cocoa pricing should reflect the “true value of the farmer’s labour and sacrifice.” CDM described the reversal as “one of the most shocking policy reversals in Ghana’s recent political history.”

The group emphasized that the reduction is “a direct insult to the intelligence, resilience, and sacrifices of cocoa farmers” and a “cruel deception of the Ghanaian electorate.” Rising costs of living, expensive farm inputs, and climate change worsening yields amplify the negative impact.

CDM criticized the government for exhibiting a “disturbing lack of empathy, compassion, and commitment to human welfare,” calling it “dangerously disconnected from the lived realities of rural Ghana.”

Beyond economic concerns, CDM warned of severe environmental consequences, arguing that frustrated farmers may turn to illegal mining, or galamsey, as a survival strategy. They stated: “When cocoa farming becomes unprofitable, farmers abandon farms and use their farmlands for galamsey.”

The movement stressed this could accelerate farmland destruction, intensify water pollution, and undermine national anti-galamsey efforts.

In response, CDM demanded an immediate reversal of the GH¢2,587 cocoa price and urged the government to honor its campaign commitment to GH¢6,000 per bag.

They also called for urgent engagement with cocoa farmers, unions, and stakeholders, along with a transparent pricing framework prioritizing farmer welfare over political convenience.

Concluding its strong stance, CDM asserted, “This cocoa price reduction is not merely an economic error; it is a moral failure and a political betrayal.”

The group reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for fair pricing and transparent policies, emphasizing that “The cocoa farmer deserves respect, justice, and economic dignity — not broken promises and policy punishment.”