Former Head of Corporate Affairs for Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Fiifi Boafo, has questioned the government's failure to fulfil its promise to pay cocoa farmers GH₵6,000 per bag for the 2025/26 season. Speaking on TV3's NewDay morning show, Boafo recalled that the 2024/25 cocoa season started in September 2024 and ended in October 2025, presenting an opportunity for the new administration to adjust the price. The NPP was voted out of power in December 2024.
The debate over cocoa prices has resurfaced with the reopening of the 2026/27 cocoa season by COCOBOD on September 25, 2026. COCOBOD Chief Executive, Dr Ransford Annetey Abbey, announced an increase in the producer price from GH₵41,392 to GH₵42,400 per tonne, representing 71.18 per cent of the realised gross Free-on-Board value. This translates into GH₵2,650 for a 64-kilogramme bag, up from GH₵2,587 in the previous season.
The new price has drawn criticism from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), describing it as inadequate and below the campaign promise of GH₵6,000 per bag. The NPP's criticism revives discussions about the previous season, where the producer price was reduced from GH₵3,100 to GH₵2,587 in February 2026. The former administration attributed this move to market pressures and funding constraints.
Fiifi Boafo argued that if the NDC believed GH₵3,100 was too low for farmers, it should have adjusted the price between January and October when it was in office. He questioned why the government did not increase the price to GH₵6,000 during this period, despite campaigning on this promise. Boafo's comments have sparked renewed debate over the government's handling of cocoa prices.
The 2024/25 cocoa season straddled the transition of power, providing an opportunity for the new administration to act on its campaign promises. However, the government's inaction on cocoa prices during this period has raised questions about its commitment to supporting farmers. The issue has significant implications for Ghana's cocoa industry and the livelihoods of farmers.
The COCOBOD's announcement of a GH₵63 increase in the producer price for the 2026/27 season has been seen as insufficient by some. The opposition NPP has urged the government to revisit its pricing strategy and work towards fulfilling its campaign promises to cocoa farmers. The debate is likely to continue as the government seeks to balance its budget with the needs of farmers.
The controversy over cocoa prices highlights the challenges faced by Ghana's cocoa industry, including fluctuating global prices and funding constraints. As the government navigates these challenges, it must also contend with the expectations of farmers and the broader public. The issue remains a pressing concern for the government and stakeholders in the cocoa industry.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government's failure to pay cocoa farmers GH₵6,000 per bag as promised has come under scrutiny.
- The new cocoa season has seen a price increase, but it remains below the campaign promise.
- The opposition NPP has criticised the government's handling of cocoa prices.
