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August 6, 2026
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Osei-Asare urges Mahama to review Cocoa Board Bill, warns against misuse of parliamentary majority
Money
Policy
Growth
Key Points
- Former Deputy Finance Minister Abena Osei Asare urged President Mahama to use the government's two-thirds parliamentary majority responsibly.
- She called for a review of the Cocoa Board Amendment Bill, warning it could negatively affect cocoa farmers' rights and livelihoods.
- A key concern is a provision requiring cocoa farmers to seek Ghana Cocoa Board approval before changing the use of their farms.
- Osei-Asare argued this could amount to government control over private property and criminalize farmers for land-use changes without permission.
- She appealed to the President to amend the law, citing a recent precedent where another bill was revised after public concerns.
Why This Matters
This article is significant for Ghana as it addresses a proposed legislative change that could profoundly impact the property rights and economic autonomy of cocoa farmers, a vital sector of the Ghanaian economy. It also highlights concerns about the responsible exercise of power by a governing party with a strong parliamentary majority, touching on democratic principles and governance.
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