The government has announced a new farmgate price of GH₵41,392 per tonne for cocoa producers for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season — a move that represents a notable reduction from previous pricing levels.
The adjustment effectively translates into a cut of approximately GH₵16,608 per tonne, according to some industry observers, a development critics have described as a major financial setback for cocoa farmers.
The decision has sparked strong reactions from the Minority in Parliament and farmer groups, who argue that producers are being unfairly burdened at a time of rising production costs and economic pressure. Several stakeholders are calling for stronger price stabilization mechanisms and improved protection for farmers.
Planned Sector Reforms
Alongside the pricing announcement, government outlined a series of proposed reforms aimed at restructuring and strengthening the cocoa sector:
- A new Cocoa Bill is expected to be introduced, which will guarantee farmers 70% of the Free On Board (FOB) price.
- Plans are underway to revive the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) and reposition it as a leading cocoa processing entity.
- Authorities have also announced a criminal investigation into COCOBOD’s operations over the past eight years, focusing on financial management and administrative decisions.
Government officials say the reforms are designed to improve transparency, enhance value addition, and ensure long-term sustainability in the cocoa industry.
However, farmer associations maintain that immediate relief measures are necessary to cushion producers from the impact of the price reduction.
The cocoa sector remains a critical pillar of Ghana’s economy, employing hundreds of thousands of farmers and contributing significantly to export earnings.
