"Between Shadows And Dreams: The Plight Of Cocoa Farmers"
In the realm where cocoa seeds are sown,
Where farmers toil and hopes have grown,
A tale unfolds, a scandal's vice,
Leaving farmers caught, a cruel device.
Kuapa Kokoo, a beacon of light,
In Ghana's land, stood for what's right.
A cooperative united they stood,
Fairtrade principles, they understood.
Partnerships forged, Divine Chocolate and more,
Promising justice, a fairer score.
But allegations now cast a gloom,
Unveiling shadows in the cocoa room.
Fatima Ali, the president's name,
Whispers of corruption, a burning flame.
Accusations of malfeasance arise,
Leaving farmers disillusioned, with tear-filled eyes.
The court denies her plea, suspension prevails,
Evidence mounting, truth unveils.
Embezzlement claims and financial schemes,
Shattering dreams, exposing dark themes.
Farmers' voices rise, their grievances heard,
Their lives entangled, their pleas now stirred.
Under Ali's reign, they say, little change,
Their livelihoods shackled, left in exchange.
Nepotism's stain, they fiercely attest,
Cooperative funds, they claim, were oppressed.
International events, family would attend,
On cocoa's budget, they would depend.
Forty unknown names upon the payroll,
Jobs unverified, a scandal's blow.
Their toil unnoticed, while pockets grow,
In Kumasi and Accra, properties show.
Fairtrade, the certifier, stands accused,
Were they blind to corruption, left confused?
Divine Chocolate, with noble aims,
Did they truly empower or just play games?
Leadership accountability, a pressing need,
Oversight lacking, the farmers plead.
Long-term partnerships, collusion in disguise?
Or complacency as corruption flies?
Power dynamics, imbalances exposed,
Exploitation lurking, as darkness imposed.
Farmers, the backbone, their voice unheard,
Betrayed by those who pledged to be their word.
Transparency and communication at stake,
Trust shattered, hearts ache, goodness breaks.
Ethical standards, a flickering light,
Can they be restored, emerge from the night?
In the middle, farmers stand, oppressed,
Between a rock and a hard place, distressed.
Their labour unappreciated, funds astray,
Caught in a web they never wished to play.
Let us demand justice, fierce and loud,
Examine the cocoa chain, a solemn vow.
For farmers deserve dignity, a fair chance,
Not pawns in corruption's wicked dance.
We urge Fairtrade and Divine Chocolate too,
Reclaim your noble cause, let justice ensue.
Rebuild trust, empower the cocoa soul,
Heal the wounds, restore their role.
For in the realm where cocoa seeds are sown,
Where farmers toil and hopes have grown,
Let integrity and fairness prevail,
So farmers' dreams and cocoa's tale shall never fail.
Poem by:
Kwame Asamoah Kwarteng
The Cocoa Farmer’s Son