The Tertiary Education Institutions Network (TEIN) at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) has dismissed claims by TESCON, the student wing of the New Patriotic Party, over cocoa pricing as “misleading, politically contrived, and intellectually dishonest.”
TEIN-UEW, in a statement signed by its President, Bilonim M. Oliver on Tuesday, February 17 said TESCON’s recent press conference, which purported to defend students who are children of cocoa farmers, misrepresented the realities of the cocoa sector.
“It is laughable that a student political wing suddenly pretends to be the mouthpiece of cocoa farmers,” the statement said, adding that Ghana’s cocoa sector is regulated by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) within a structured pricing regime influenced by global market forces.
TEIN-UEW noted that cocoa farmers are currently being paid GH₵2,587 per bag, which it said is equivalent to about 90% of the global market price of $4,200 per tonne.
The group argued that this represents a significant subsidy from the government, protecting farmers from a steep global price drop that would have left them worse off under the previous NPP administration.
The student group also highlighted broader economic improvements, including the strengthening of the cedi, which TEIN said has eased the cost of imported goods, fuel, and food, benefiting students’ families.
TEIN-UEW further praised government initiatives such as the No Fees Stress policy for Level 100 students and the revival of the Cocoa Tertiary Scholarship program, saying these interventions help children of cocoa farmers access university education without financial strain.
The group urged TESCON to focus on constructive student engagement rather than political theatrics, stating: “TESCON must produce thinkers, innovators, and nation builders, not career propagandists.”
TEIN-UEW reaffirmed its commitment to defending truth, promoting responsible student leadership, and supporting policies that uplift Ghanaian families.
