Speaking on Joy Prime TV, Owusu expressed concerns that the ongoing crisis in the cocoa sector is compounded by political maneuvering rather than genuine reforms.
According to Owusu, the cocoa sector has faced repeated challenges, including low farmgate prices, delayed payments to farmers, and recurring procurement inefficiencies.
He questioned the need for a new forensic audit by the NDC-led administration, emphasizing that previous investigations had already revealed losses amounting to $350 million under the former government. “If this administration wants to cover up for the previous one, it will come back to haunt them,” Owusu warned.
He further argued that under the previous government, the most effective way to address alleged financial mismanagement would have been to hold responsible individuals accountable, including former President Nana Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, rather than repeatedly calling for audits. “What forensic audit does the NDC need again?
All they were told is that $350 million was lost. The best forensic audit under the former government would have been to ensure accountability for Akufo-Addo and Bawumia,” Owusu stated.
The communicator stressed that the cocoa sector is too vital to Ghana’s economy to be used as a political tool.
With cocoa contributing significantly to national revenue, exports, and rural employment, he emphasized that transparency, proper management, and support for farmers must remain the priority.
He criticized the current administration for allegedly politicizing audits and investigations instead of implementing meaningful solutions that protect farmers’ livelihoods.
Observers note that Owusu’s comments reflect broader frustrations among stakeholders in the cocoa industry, who feel that political rivalries have overshadowed efforts to modernize the sector and improve conditions for producers.
Analysts believe that if the government focuses on partisan objectives rather than structural reforms, the consequences could include further decline in farmer confidence, reduced productivity, and long-term economic impacts.
Owusu concluded by urging the NDC to act decisively and fairly in managing the cocoa sector.
He highlighted the importance of accountability, efficient operations, and constructive engagement with farmers, warning that failure to address these issues promptly could have lasting negative effects on both the economy and public trust.
In summary, Solomon Owusu’s blunt remarks underscore the need for the current administration to prioritize genuine sectoral reform over political maneuvering.
By linking the cocoa crisis to past losses and cautioning against cover-ups, he calls for transparency, accountability, and a farmer-centered approach to restore confidence and stability in one of Ghana’s most crucial industries.