Osei-Asare urges Mahama to review Cocoa Board Bill, warns against misuse of parliamentary majority

Former Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Atiwa East, Abena Osei-Asare, has urged President John Dramani Mahama to use the government’s two-thirds majority in Parliament responsibly.

She called for a review of the Cocoa Board Amendment Bill, which she says could affect the rights and livelihoods of cocoa farmers.

Appealing to President Mahama to reconsider aspects of the bill, Osei-Asare warned that the two-thirds majority must serve the interests of Ghanaians and not impose decisions that could negatively affect citizens.

Speaking at the "Democracy Under Attack" demonstration on August 6, Osei-Asare acknowledged that the current parliamentary situation, where one party holds a two-thirds majority, is unprecedented.

"It is true that the people of Ghana have given one party two-thirds. It is something the Constitution never ever envisaged would happen. But yes, it has happened." — Abena Osei-Asare, MP for Atiwa East

She stressed that such power comes with responsibility and must be exercised carefully for the benefit of the wider population.

"So, we expect them to use this and use it properly to the benefit of the larger nation and not abuse this. That's all we are asking." — Abena Osei-Asare, MP for Atiwa East

Osei-Asare raised concerns about the recently passed Cocoa Board Amendment Bill, particularly provisions requiring cocoa farmers to seek approval from the Ghana Cocoa Board before changing the use of their cocoa farms.

She questioned whether citizens should be restricted from making decisions about their own properties without government permission.

"Mr President, come again. We can amend this law." — Abena Osei-Asare, MP for Atiwa East

The former minister urged President Mahama to follow the example of the recent amendment of the tribunal bill, which was revised after concerns were raised.

"Remember, recently, the tribunal bill was amended again, even though it had been passed not long ago. So come back, look at this again, and come back and let's amend this." — Abena Osei-Asare, MP for Atiwa East

According to Osei-Asare, the current provision could amount to government taking control over private properties and livelihoods without adequate consideration for citizens’ rights.

She argued that a cocoa farmer should not be considered to have committed an offence simply because they decide to change the use of their land.

"If today I want to change the use of my land from, say, a cocoa farm to something else, and I don't come and seek permission from you, it is illegal and I have committed a wrong?" — Abena Osei-Asare, MP for Atiwa East

Osei-Asare directly appealed to the President to listen to concerns surrounding the legislation, reminding him that the two-thirds majority was given by Ghanaians for a specific purpose.

"Mr President, listen to us because remember you have the two-thirds majority in Parliament, and I'm sure the people of Ghana gave it to you for a purpose." — Abena Osei-Asare, MP for Atiwa East

She urged the government to use its parliamentary strength to promote national development, protect citizens’ interests and strengthen democracy.

"Let's not abuse this. Use this right for the building of the nation. That's all we are asking for." — Abena Osei-Asare, MP for Atiwa East