Veteran politician Cocoa Affairs Minister Professor Nii Armah “Asiedu Nketiah” has sharply criticised Member of Parliament Ntim Fordjour over what he described as an inappropriate display of cocoa pods during the recent State of the Nation Address. The exchange occurred during a public discussion following the speech delivered by President John Dramani Mahama to Parliament.
Asiedu Nketiah argued that Ntim Fordjour’s decision to bring cocoa pods into the parliamentary chamber was theatrical and detracted from the seriousness of the national address. He said the gesture was an attempt to highlight issues in the cocoa sector but that it was poorly executed and lacked respect for the occasion. Asiedu Nketiah emphasised that important national issues should be raised through meaningful debate and policy engagement rather than symbolic displays.
The controversy centres on the presentation of cocoa pods in Parliament after the President’s speech. Ntim Fordjour had used the pods as a visual aid to spotlight concerns about the cocoa industry, including low prices for farmers and challenges in the sector’s value chain. For his supporters, the display was intended to draw attention to real problems facing cocoa producers. However, Asiedu Nketiah said such acts should be planned in ways that contribute to constructive dialogue rather than cause distraction.
In his response, Asiedu Nketiah encouraged lawmakers to focus on collaborative solutions that benefit cocoa farmers and strengthen Ghana’s cocoa economy. He noted that the sector remains vital to national revenue and rural livelihoods and expressed his commitment to working with stakeholders to address systemic issues.
The clash between the two politicians highlights ongoing debates within Ghana’s political landscape about how best to advocate for important economic sectors while maintaining respect for parliamentary norms and procedures. Asiedu Nketiah’s remarks also reflect broader calls for decorum in public office and responsible engagement on policy matters.
Observers have weighed in on the exchange, with some saying that visual aids can be powerful when used appropriately, while others agree that Parliament should be a place for focused discourse. Both leaders have emphasised the importance of advancing the cocoa sector through sound policies, though they differ on how best to communicate concerns in legislative settings.
