By Brain Akutei-Azu Mateko
The Director of Presidential Initiatives in Agriculture and Agribusiness, Dr. Peter Boamah Otokunor, has criticised the opposition New Patriotic Party for what he describes as misleading engagements with cocoa farmers.
Speaking at Kwamesua near Dormaa on February 26, Dr. Otokunor said it was positive for political actors to engage farmers, but insisted such interactions must be based on truthful information rather than rhetoric that could harm the sector.
He warned that reports of individuals encouraging farmers to cut down cocoa trees were dangerous and unacceptable, stressing that cocoa remains a national asset comparable to other key resources.
According to him, any attempt to promote actions that undermine cocoa production could amount to a criminal offence because of the crop’s importance to the national economy.
Dr. Otokunor also backed recent calls by a traditional leader demanding action against persons believed to have contributed to challenges in the cocoa sector. He said government was taking such concerns seriously and hinted that investigations and possible legal action were underway.
He assured farmers that steps were being taken to address issues affecting the sector and urged the public to remain calm while authorities work through the processes.
