During President **John Dramani Mahama’s 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to Parliament on Friday, February 27, 2026, several New Patriotic Party (NPP) Members of Parliament paused to mourn the passing of cocoa farmers who recently died. The moment occurred as the president discussed issues affecting the agricultural sector, including cocoa — a key commodity in Ghana’s economy.
As Mahama spoke about the importance of strengthening Ghana’s cocoa industry and supporting farmers who play a vital role in national development, some NPP legislators stood and appeared visibly emotional. They held up a cloth printed with the phrase “Akuafo Yayɛ Mɔbɔ Dɔdɔ”, which translates from Akan to “Cocoa Farmers Deserve Respect and Care”, in tribute to the farmers who lost their lives in recent weeks.
The gesture was meant to highlight the struggles facing cocoa growers, especially in the wake of challenges such as farm labour shortages, old age, limited access to mechanisation and rising costs of inputs like fertilisers and fuel. NPP MPs used the moment to call attention to the hardships and remind the government of the need for better protection and support for farmers, who have long been central to Ghana’s agricultural success.
“We mourn with the families of the cocoa farmers,” one legislator said, “and we urge every stakeholder to respond with compassion and meaningful policies.” The cloth slogan became a focal point in Parliament, drawing applause from some members while others observed quietly as the tribute was displayed.
President Mahama acknowledged the pain expressed by MPs and pledged that the government would continue working with stakeholders in cocoa production to address both immediate and long-term challenges. Issues such as improving farmers’ livelihoods, enhancing productivity and strengthening pricing mechanisms were highlighted as part of ongoing efforts to stabilise the sector.
The ceremony underscored how deeply cocoa cultivation remains embedded in Ghana’s cultural and economic identity, touching not just policy debates but the sentiments of lawmakers across party lines. The tribute also sparked discussion outside Parliament, with agricultural groups and social media users weighing in on the state of cocoa farming and how best to honour those who contribute to the nation’s cocoa legacy.
