The Chamber of Parliament was transformed into a scene of high political theater today, Friday, February 27, 2026, as the Minority Caucus staged a visual and vocal protest against the government's cocoa pricing policy during the State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Moments after President John Dramani Mahama was invited to the podium by the Speaker, the Minority MPs rose in unison, clad in all-black attire to signal a state of "mourning" for the Ghanaian cocoa farmer.
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| President John Mahama |
"Cocoa Akuafo Yɛyɛ Mɔbɔ Dodo"
The protest was highly coordinated and rich in symbolism, aimed at highlighting what the opposition calls a "betrayal" of the agricultural sector:
The Sashes: Every Minority MP wore a sash with the Twi inscription "Cocoa Akuafo Yɛyɛ Mɔbɔ Dodo," which translates to "Cocoa farmers have become so pitiful".
The Cocoa Pods: In an unprecedented move, the lawmakers brandished ripe, raw cocoa pods on the floor of the House, waving them as the President spoke to symbolize the physical toil of farmers who they claim are being underpaid.
The Chants: The protest was not silent; the MPs broke into protest songs and chants, briefly disrupting the solemnity of the occasion before the Speaker restored order.
Why the Protest? The 28.6% Price Cut
The demonstration was a direct response to a mid-season price adjustment announced by the government on February 12, 2026:
The Reduction: The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, reduced the producer price of cocoa from GH₵3,625 to GH₵2,587 per 64kg bag for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season.
Government's Defense: President Mahama defended the cut during his address, citing a sharp fall in global cocoa prices (from $7,200 to $4,100 per tonne) and the need to restore liquidity to COCOBOD.
Minority's Stance: Led by Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority argues that a price set at the start of a crop year is "legally binding" and that slashing it mid-season is unprecedented and harmful to farmer livelihoods.
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