Eric Adjei Esq., Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), has apologised on behalf of the government following the reduction of the cocoa producer price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag.
Speaking on UTV on Friday, February 13, 2026, Mr Adjei described the move as a “painful but necessary” decision, stressing that it was not taken lightly or with ill intent.
“We apologise for this, but it’s not intentional. No one is happy with this decision,” he said.
He acknowledged the impact of the price cut on cocoa farmers, noting that many government officials, including himself, have personal ties to cocoa farming.
“It’s a painful decision which is affecting all of us because some of us are cocoa farmers or have parents who are cocoa farmers… It wasn’t an easy decision to make. It’s very painful but necessary, otherwise there will be consequences,” he explained.
Mr Adjei likened the policy to “a bitter pill” that must be swallowed to safeguard the sector, adding that ongoing reforms would eventually improve conditions for farmers.
“It’s a bitter pill, but we need to swallow it, and then with the reforms, things will get better,” he assured.
