The Minority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri Constituency in the Eastern region, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to seek guidance from former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo on managing Ghana’s economy, particularly in light of challenges confronting the cocoa sector.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh made the remarks during an engagement with cocoa farmers in the Bekwai District in the Ashanti Region, as part of the Minority Caucus’ ongoing tour of cocoa-growing communities.

He criticised what he described as the government’s inability to effectively manage the economy within a short period, contrasting it with the Akufo-Addo administration, which he said sustained economic activity, paid public sector workers, and maintained essential services during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, there is nothing wrong with seeking advice, stressing that leadership should be guided by results rather than pride.

“It is not a shame to seek advice,” he said, adding that the current economic situation requires pragmatic leadership and collaboration.

The Minority’s comments come amid growing concerns over developments in Ghana’s cocoa sector, including reductions in producer prices — often described by the opposition as “haircuts” — and reported delays in the release of funds to purchasing clerks.

The caucus argues that these challenges are worsening the plight of cocoa farmers, many of whom depend on the crop as their primary source of livelihood.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh accused the government of failing to prioritise the needs of farmers and assured that the Minority would continue to advocate for them.

“We will continue to speak for the ordinary farmer,” he stated, calling for a reversal of the price reductions and timely payments to farmers.

The Bekwai meeting forms part of a broader nationwide outreach by the Minority Caucus, which began in the Eastern Region and has now moved to the Ashanti Region.

The exercise involves direct engagement with farmers to better understand their challenges, including declining incomes, rising input costs and delayed payments.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh also criticised government spending priorities, urging President Mahama to redirect resources towards the cocoa sector.

He specifically called for what he described as “luxury jets” acquired by the state to be returned, with the funds channelled into supporting struggling farmers.

Ghana remains the world’s second-largest cocoa producer, and the sector continues to play a vital role in the country’s economy through export earnings and rural livelihoods.

However, ongoing concerns over pricing, funding and policy direction have intensified political debate over the future of the industry.