Akwasi Addai Odike (also referred to as Odike), the Founder and Leader of the Union Government (a political movement/party in Ghana), appeared on Angel FM’s morning show (likely “Angel Morning Show”) on Monday, February 16, 2025. During the appearance, he expressed strong criticism of the government’s handling of the cocoa sector.
He emphasized that cocoa has historically been the mainstay (or backbone) of Ghana’s economy, serving as a key pillar for foreign exchange earnings, employment, and national development.
Given this critical role, he stated that he could not understand or accept why the government was treating (“stretching”) cocoa farmers in such a burdensome or unfair manner—implying excessive pressure, inadequate support, delayed payments, low producer prices, or other hardships amid the ongoing cocoa sector crisis.
This aligns with broader context from his recent statements around that period and called for President John Mahama to convene a national dialogue on the cocoa crisis. He also described certain government responses (like a cabinet meeting on the issue) as “bogus” and “useless.”
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In related interviews and comments, he advocated for the government to absorb losses from global cocoa price fluctuations, ensure farmers receive fair/deserved payments, and explore solutions like establishing a COCOBOD bank to address sector challenges.
The cocoa industry in Ghana has faced significant issues in recent years, including debt burdens on COCOBOD, smuggling incentives due to price disparities, low farm-gate prices relative to global markets, and payment delays to farmers—factors Odike appears to be highlighting in his critique of government policies “stretching” (i.e., overburdening or mistreating) the farmers who sustain this vital economic sector.
This reflects ongoing public discourse in Ghana around supporting cocoa farmers more effectively to sustain the industry’s role in the national economy.