Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has launched a scathing attack on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government, accusing it of prioritizing luxury over the survival of the nation’s agricultural backbone. Speaking at a New Patriotic Party (NPP) thanksgiving service on Sunday, February 15, 2026, the opposition leader criticized the administration for procuring new presidential jets while thousands of cocoa farmers have reportedly gone months without payment for their harvests.
The Parliament of Ghana is set for a heated session as the Minority Caucus vows to take the battle to the floor this week. Afenyo-Markin argued that the recent 28% slash in cocoa producer prices, combined with long payment delays, has created "unprecedented" hardship for rural households.
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| Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin |
The "Buying Jets, Starving Farmers" Controversy
At the center of the dispute is the government's recent decision to adjust the cocoa producer price downward to reflect falling global market realities. However, Afenyo-Markin pointed to the administration’s plan to spend an estimated $1.2 billion over four years on new aircraft, including two presidential jets, as a clear sign of misplaced priorities.
"The cocoa farmers want their money, so pay them!" the Minority Leader declared, challenging the government to prioritize immediate liquidity for farmers over "speaking big English on social media". He noted that under the new pricing structure, farmers are receiving GH¢2,587 per bag, a reduction from the GH¢3,625 per bag established in late 2025.
Crisis in the Sector: Unpaid Cocoa Farmers and Price Slumps
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson have defended the price reduction, citing a halving of global cocoa prices to approximately $4,000 per metric tonne. Despite these explanations, reports from farming communities indicate that many who delivered beans as early as November 2025 have yet to receive a single Cedi in compensation.
Alexander Afenyo-Markin asserted that these delays, coupled with the price cut, are eroding the livelihoods of the world's second-largest cocoa producers. He warned that the Minority will not allow the government to hide behind civil society organizations or global market rhetoric while domestic producers face financial ruin.
Strategic Context: Afenyo-Markin’s Personal Loyalty and Party Unity
The Minority Leader's aggressive stance follows a high-profile display of unity within the New Patriotic Party. During the same period, Afenyo-Markin revealed a deep personal bond with former presidential aspirant Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, disclosing that Agyapong once provided him a $5 million business lifeline with "no paperwork and no questions".
This reveal was intended to underscore the internal cohesion of the NPP following the party's recent primary. By highlighting these strong personal ties, Afenyo-Markin seeks to demonstrate that the opposition remains resolute and united in its mission to hold the John Dramani Mahama administration accountable throughout 2026.
What Happens Next for the Cocoa Sector Battle
The Minority Caucus is expected to file an urgent motion in the Parliament of Ghana to compel the Finance Minister to provide a clear timeline for settling all outstanding debts to farmers. Meanwhile, some farm advocacy groups have warned that continued payment delays could fuel illegal mining (galamsey) as desperate farmers look for alternative income sources.
The government has stated it aims to revive the state-owned Cocoa Processing Company to process 50% of beans locally by the 2026-2027 season to mitigate global price shocks. However, for the opposition, the immediate focus remains the "repayment of the haircut" farmers are currently suffering.
Summary of the Minority Leader’s Stance
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has made it clear that the welfare of unpaid cocoa farmers will be the central theme of the current parliamentary session. By contrasting the purchase of presidential jets with the "haircut" on farmer incomes, the Effutu MP is positioning the New Patriotic Party as the primary defender of the agricultural sector against the spending priorities of the current administration.
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