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A planned demonstration dubbed “Fa Sɔ So” in the Ahafo Ano South West District has failed to materialize after organizers reportedly struggled to mobilize participants for the protest.
The demonstration, which was said to have been sponsored by elements of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), was intended to petition the President of the Republic through the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon Abubakar Sedik, over concerns surrounding the recent cocoa price adjustments.
However, the anticipated gathering did not take place, as only a handful of individuals were seen at the proposed venue. The DCE, who had made himself available to officially receive the petition on behalf of the President, waited for several hours but no formal delegation emerged to present any document.
Sources within the district indicate that the momentum for the demonstration waned following a press conference by the 2025 National Best Cocoa Farmer, a native of the district, who sought to clarify issues surrounding the cocoa price review. The award-winning farmer reportedly explained the factors that informed the government’s decision, urging colleagues to appreciate the broader economic context rather than resort to agitation.
The clarification is believed to have influenced many cocoa farmers in the area, reducing interest in the planned protest.
According to the DCE, the government’s decision on cocoa pricing was not taken lightly but was based on prevailing global market dynamics, fiscal considerations, and the need to sustain the cocoa sector in the long term.
“The media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding,” he said. “Instead of amplifying misinformation or creating unnecessary tension, journalists should help educate cocoa farmers and the general public on the rationale behind the pricing structure.”
He emphasized that transparent and responsible communication is essential in preventing misinformation and unwarranted agitation among farmers whose livelihoods depend on stable and predictable policies.
Call for Calm and Constructive Engagement
Hon. Sedik reiterated his readiness to engage constructively with any group that wishes to present concerns through appropriate channels. He stressed that peaceful dialogue remains the most effective way to address grievances in a democratic society.
The DCE further encouraged cocoa farmers in the district to seek clarification from official sources and agricultural extension officers on the new pricing regime and related cocoa sector reforms.
Observers say the failure of the “Fa Sɔ So” demonstration highlights the need for deeper engagement and public education on national economic decisions, particularly those affecting critical sectors such as cocoa, which remains a backbone of Ghana’s economy.
As the dust settles, stakeholders are hopeful that informed dialogue, rather than political confrontation, will guide discussions on cocoa pricing in the months ahead.
