The Member of Parliament for the Akim Oda Constituency, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has announced the establishment of an Emergency Social Intervention Fund to cushion cocoa farmers in the constituency who are grappling with delays in payment for their produce.

Addressing constituents during a visit to the area, Mr. Acquah said he had received several appeals from cocoa farmers since his arrival in the constituency, describing the situation as distressing.

“There have been several appeals to me on the hardships these farmers are going through since I came to the constituency this weekend,” he said.

He explained that while the Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) and the government work to find a lasting solution to the payment stalemate, immediate support was needed to ease the burden on farmers.

“As we wait for Cocobod and for that matter government to find a lasting solution to this stalemate, I have proposed to apply a greater portion of my Common Fund, in addition to my personal resources, to support the farmers,” Mr. Acquah stated.

According to the MP, the intervention will involve advancing part payment for cocoa beans that have already been supplied but are yet to be paid for, working through licensed purchasing clerks.

“Through the purchasing clerks, I will pay a percentage of the cocoa beans that are awaiting payment, and based on the guarantees from the clerks, this support will be refunded when government eventually pays,” he explained.

The Emergency Social Intervention Fund is expected to provide temporary relief to cocoa farmers in the Akim Oda Constituency as stakeholders continue engagements aimed at resolving the broader payment challenges within the cocoa sector.