In a statement signed by Mr Isaiah Kwarteng, Convenor of the Alliance, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, the group described the intervention as timely, especially in the face of the ongoing global decline in cocoa prices and its ripple effects on the industry. 

The statement said the release of funds demonstrated government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of cocoa farmers despite the economic pressures confronting the sector. 

It also acknowledged COCOBOD’s recent announcement of internal pay cuts as part of broader cost-saving measures. 

“While such decisions may be difficult, they reflect management’s willingness to make sacrifices to stabilize the cocoa industry and prioritize farmers,” the statement said. 

The Alliance stressed that fiscal discipline, transparency, and shared sacrifice were critical at this moment to rebuild confidence in the cocoa sector. It noted that cocoa farmers remained the backbone of the industry, and that every prudent step taken to sustain the sector would ultimately protect rural livelihoods and support national economic stability. 

The statement also urged state institutions to investigate the factors that contributed to COCOBOD’s financial challenges in recent years. 

“If any individuals are found to have mismanaged resources or contributed to weakening the institution, they must be held accountable in accordance with the laws of Ghana. Accountability will not only ensure justice but also deter future mismanagement,” it added. 

The Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue with government, COCOBOD, and other stakeholders to ensure that policies and reforms continue to prioritize the welfare of cocoa farmers.