The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has firmly defended his caucus’s demand for a review of the producer price of cocoa, drawing inspiration from the historical legacy of Ghanaian statesman, Dr. J.B. Danquah.
Speaking on Monday, March 2, 2026, at the Institute of Economic Research and Public Policy (IERPP) Lecture Series, Mr. Afenyo-Markin argued that the fight for fair compensation for cocoa farmers is not merely a political talking point but a continuation of a noble tradition established by the country’s forebears.
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To underscore his point, the Minority Leader took the audience down memory lane, highlighting the often-overlooked legal career of J.B. Danquah.
He noted that before becoming an iconic politician, Danquah was a lawyer who used the courtroom as a battleground for the rights of the Ghanaian farmer.
“Before he was a politician, J.B. Danquah was a lawyer. One of his most notable contributions was advocating in the courts, case by case, to ensure cocoa farmers received fair pricing. This earned him the name Akuafo Kanea, the lamp of farmers,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin recounted.
He used this historical precedent to draw a parallel with the current efforts of the Minority in Parliament, suggesting that the fight for economic justice in the cocoa sector is a timeless cause.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin stressed that the Minority’s current agitation for a price review is rooted in a deep-seated commitment to protect the livelihoods of farmers who form the backbone of Ghana’s economy. He assured that the caucus would not relent in its efforts.
“This was a man who devoted every resource at his disposal in the service of his people. Similarly, we are determined to explore every avenue to support cocoa farmers and protect their livelihoods,” he emphasised.
The Minority Leader reiterated that his caucus remains prepared to use all legitimate parliamentary tools to ensure that the cocoa farmer gets a fair deal, mirroring the dedication Danquah showed nearly a century ago.
The call for a review of the producer price of cocoa comes amid growing concerns from farmers about the cost of inputs and the rising cost of living. The Minority argues that the current price does not reflect the toil of the farmer or the global market realities.
By invoking the memory of the ‘Akuafo Kanea,’ Afenyo-Markin has framed the debate not just as an economic issue, but as a historical and moral imperative to honor the legacy of one of Ghana’s founding figures.