NDC’s Joyce Bawah Mogtari Shoots Down Richard Ahiagbah Cocoa Sector Debate

NDC’s Joyce Bawah Mogtari Spars with NPP’s Richard Ahiagbah over Ghana’s Cocoa Sector: A Twitter Battle Heats Up

The Ghanaian cocoa sector, a vital pillar of the nation’s economy, has become the latest battleground for political sparring between the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP). On Twitter, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, a prominent NDC figure, and Richard Ahiagbah, an NPP stalwart, engaged in a fiery exchange, each defending their party’s record and vision for the sector.

Mogtari initiated the debate, applauding the next NDC government’s promise to construct cocoa processing factories in cocoa-growing areas. She hailed this as a welcome development, one that excited her uncle and his children living in such an area. This tweet set the stage for Ahiagbah’s counterpunch.

Ahiagbah questioned the timing of Mogtari’s praise, asking why she was raising concerns about the cocoa sector after 66 years of independence, a period in which the NDC, according to him, had held power for a significant portion. He challenged Mogtari to explain former President Mahama’s role in the sector’s current state, implying that the NDC was equally responsible for any shortcomings.

Mogtari, however, refused to back down. She fired back, reminding Ahiagbah of Mahama’s contributions to the sector, including initiating the cocoa roads project and pioneering pension payments for cocoa farmers. She further questioned the NPP government’s handling of the Cocoa Board, highlighting its declining financial health under their watch.

The back-and-forth intensified, with Mogtari accusing Ahiagbah and his party of propaganda and hypocrisy. She pointed to Ghana’s economic achievements under the NDC, such as single-digit inflation and increased cocoa exports, contrasting them with the current state under the NPP.

The Twitter exchange ended with Mogtari refusing to take moral lessons from Ahiagbah, claiming his party’s track record disqualified him from offering such advice.

This heated debate on Twitter highlights the deep divisions within Ghana’s political landscape regarding the cocoa sector. While both parties acknowledge its importance, their differing perspectives on past performance and future direction raise critical questions about accountability and effective governance. As Ghanaians head towards the 2024 elections, the cocoa sector is likely to remain a key battleground, with both parties vying to convince the electorate of their commitment to its development and prosperity.

The Tweeter Battle: Actual Words and Comments

NDC’s Joyce Bawah Mogtari wrote this on Twitter

After 66 years of Independence, the Cocoa Sector certainly deserves better. Cocoa roads for cocoa growing areas and now a promise to construct Cocoa Processing factories in Cocoa growing areas is welcome news!

My Old Uncle who has alway lived and worked in a Cocoa growing area is super excited about this development and so are his adult children!

Let’s help
@JDMahama to deliver on this promise to the people within the Cocoa growing community and for Ghana! Such developments will surely help deliver on the #24HourWorkingEconomy.

 NPP’s  Richard Ahiagbah responded with this

66 years, who is to blame? Who has had the lion’s share of this 66 years? How innocent is H.E Mahama in this debate you want to start? Is he new to the problem you are trying to foist on others? Is this a new concern that just dropped from the skies or it has always been there? If it has always been there, what did he do about it when he was the Vice President and President for 8 years? Please don’t tell us that under H.E. John Mahama, contracts were awarded to construct Cocoa roads because such unfunded contracts were the last ditch effort to acquire votes in 2016. Finally, what is the agenda for Savannah and Bole Bamboi? The Akufo-Addo-Bawumia Administration has delivered the Savannah Region to the good people of Gonjaland and is working to bring it to its deserved glory. What does Savannah & Bole Bamboi deserve?
@joyce_bawah , let’s begin from here! Good Morning my sister!

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 Then there was fire mixed with questions from NDC’s Joyce Bawah Mogtari

You and I know very well that HE Mr Mahama started the Cocoa Roads project which your government came and cancelled.

You and I know also that Mr Mahama pioneered the payment of pensions to Cocoa Farmers.

You and I know also that Cocoa Board had a healthy balance sheet when your government took over, what is the state of that institution now?

When Cocoa exports hit 1 million tons under Prof Mills and fell to 900 plus tons under Mahama, what did you and those who think like you say?

When Ghana sustained a single digit inflation for over a year under Prof Mills what did you and your cohorts say?

What is the rate of inflation now under your government.

What is the level of Ghana’s debt

Anyway you and I know that I will not take moral lessons from you!
You should be ashamed to even dare to ask me!

I can tell that the end of your propaganda against the NDC has shocked and totally confused you and your lot!