Mahama promises good producer price for cashew farmers

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, says his administration will institute a Cashew Board to make cashew farming more attractive when voted into power.

He said this in the Ahafo Region during his two-day visit to officially explain the party’s 2020 manifesto to the chiefs and people, and solicit for votes.

He stated that the Board would be in charge of all issues relating to cashew farming to enhance the well-being of cashew farmers in the country, just as the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) was instituted for cocoa farmers.

The Board, which will consist of experts in the area of cashew production, would draft policies to help boost the incomes earned by farmers who have decided to venture into cashew farming.

“Per our (NDC) research, cashew farmers are not having their returns as expected after investing hugely, and this is unacceptable,” he stated.

According to the former President, under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo the living standards of cashew farmers had become pathetic because less attention was being given to the sector. “Cashew farmers are really disappointed in your administration due to how you’ve neglected them when it comes to good sales,” he jabbed the New Patriotic {Party (NPP)-led government.

The NDC flagbearer disclosed to the chiefs and people that the introduction of the Cashew Board, which will be of great benefit to the farmers, can only be in existence if they vote him and the party’s parliamentary candidates back to power, and, therefore, appealed for their votes, come December 7.

The Chairman of the Tano North Cashew Farmers Association, Paul Kuma, expressed gratitude to the NDC flagbearer for having a permanent solution to their main challenge.

Paul Kuma explained that cashew farmers were going through ‘hell’ when it comes to what they earn after production.

He said the difference in prices between cocoa and cashew was not encouraging those cultivating the latter.

“How can a bag of cashew sells at GH¢200, while a bag of cocoa is over GH¢600?” he queried. He explained that instituting the Cashew Board would be appreciated by the farmers.

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