The Majority in Parliament has alleged that the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration failed to use a $600 million facility secured from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for its intended cocoa sector development projects.

Speaking during debate on the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor said the financing, which received parliamentary approval, was meant to support cocoa farm expansion, tree planting, farm surveys, warehouse construction and other initiatives aimed at boosting productivity.

He argued that despite the funding, the expected improvements in the cocoa sector did not materialise, alleging that the money was not applied to the projects for which it was approved.

According to Mr. Dafeamekpor, the failure to implement the planned interventions contributed to a significant decline in cocoa production, with adverse consequences for employment and businesses operating within the cocoa value chain.

The Majority maintains that the alleged misuse of the funds undermined efforts to strengthen Ghana’s cocoa industry and improve output.