Ghanaian gospel artiste, Joyce Blessing artiste expresses concern over the price of cocoa

Ghanaian gospel artist Joyce Blessing, who has recently ventured into cocoa farming, believes the GH¢3,000 price for a 64kg bag of cocoa could be improved.

She highlighted that while cocoa farmers are putting in significant effort, it’s crucial for the government to provide them with a better price for their produce.

The Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC) has announced a new cocoa producer price of GH¢48,000 per tonne for the 2024/2025 season, which is a 129% increase from the price set in September 2023. This adjustment sets the price of a 64kg bag of cocoa at GH¢3,000.

In response to the updated price, Joyce Blessing acknowledged the increase as a positive step but expressed hope for a higher amount. She emphasized that cocoa is a vital resource for Ghana, contributing significantly to the country’s global reputation, and argued that farmers deserve more recognition and compensation.

“We appreciate the GH¢3,000, but it’s my hope that they will raise it further. Cocoa is one of our most important resources and has various uses. Ghana’s global fame is partly due to our cocoa, so we need to do more for the farmers. The GH¢3,000 is a small amount, and I urge the government to increase it.”

On Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Joyce Blessing shared that cocoa farming is a family tradition passed down from her grandfather to her parents, and now to her. She intends to continue this legacy with her children.

“My family has a long history of cocoa farming. My grandfather’s farms are still operational, and I took up cocoa farming to carry on this tradition. I’m proud to be a cocoa farmer and plan for my children to continue the legacy as I age,” she told host Sokoohemaa Kukua.