The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a forceful and protracted call for the immediate return of the Ghana Cocoa Board Bill, 2026, to Parliament, demanding a comprehensive and expanded consultation process with cocoa farmers, landowners, and all relevant stakeholders within the industry. The party’s position stems from a deep sense of unease regarding the Bill’s hasty passage and the lack of meaningful engagement with the cocoa sector, a matter highlighted by Dr Isaac Yaw Opoku, Member of Parliament’s Agriculture Committee and Co-Chairman of the NPP Policy Committee on Agriculture.
On August 9, 2026, at a press conference in Accra, Dr. Opoku stated that the Bill, which seeks to repeal the Ghana Cocoa Board Law, 1984 (PNDC Law 81), represents a significant shift in governance and regulation for the cocoa industry. The Bill introduces key changes including new governance arrangements, the establishment of a tribunal, and the creation of new offences. He emphasized that the Bill was presented before Parliament within a single week, effectively depriving stakeholders of crucial opportunities for consultation.
Specifically, Dr. Opoku highlighted concerns regarding the Bill’s provisions concerning the destruction or uprooting of cocoa trees without prior authorization. He argued that this requirement could unduly restrict the ability of farmers, particularly those dealing with diseased, unproductive, or old trees, to manage their farms effectively. He questioned the necessity of obtaining prior approval from the Ghana Cocoa Board for such removals, suggesting it could negatively impact the livelihoods of many cocoa producers.
The NPP’s stance is further underscored by a warning that the Bill’s implications extend beyond current cocoa farmers, potentially jeopardizing the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry, a vital contributor to the national economy. The party is unequivocally urging President Mahama to withhold his assent to the Bill and return it to Parliament to facilitate a thorough and extensive stakeholder consultation process, ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are adequately considered before any further legislative action is taken. The NPP believes a robust and inclusive dialogue is crucial to safeguarding the future of cocoa production in Ghana.
Furthermore, the NPP is calling for the immediate return of the Bill to allow for further scrutiny and engagement with cocoa farmers, landowners, and other industry stakeholders, stressing the importance of a comprehensive review of the legislation’s potential consequences. The party has outlined a commitment to advocating for a process that prioritizes farmer rights and the continued viability of the cocoa sector within Ghana.
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Source: Adom Online
