Fatimatu Abubakar, the former Deputy Minister for Information under the Nana Akufo-Addo-led NPP administration), appeared on Peace FM’s flagship morning show Kokrokoo (hosted by Kwame Sefa Kayi) on Monday, February 16, 2026.
During the discussion—focused on the ongoing cocoa sector challenges in Ghana—she sharply criticized the current government (under President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC) for its approach to cocoa farmers.
She stated that, apart from establishing GoldBod (the Ghana Gold Board, a state entity created in 2025 to regulate, buy, assay, refine, and export gold/precious minerals, aimed at boosting foreign exchange, reducing smuggling, and formalizing small-scale mining), the government shows no genuine interest in addressing or satisfying the needs of cocoa farmers.
She emphasized that the government’s posture demonstrates a lack of sympathy for cocoa farmers and farmers in general.
This ties into broader criticisms of the administration’s handling of the cocoa crisis, including issues like low farm-gate prices, payment delays, debt burdens on COCOBOD, smuggling incentives, and insufficient support amid global price fluctuations and local economic pressures.
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Her comments reflect opposition NPP perspectives amid ongoing public debates in early 2026 about the cocoa industry’s sustainability.
GoldBod has been highlighted by the government as a success in the gold sector (e.g., exporting significant volumes, partnering for local refining like with Gold Coast Refinery, and accumulating reserves), but critics like Abubakar argue it prioritizes gold revenue streams over revitalizing or fairly supporting the traditional cocoa backbone of the economy.
This appearance aligns with heightened political discourse on agricultural policies, farmer welfare, and sector reforms following the 2024/2025 political transition. Similar sentiments have echoed in media discussions around cocoa pricing, subsidies, and calls for better farmer protections.