The Ghanaian government's recent announcement of the 2026/27 cocoa season's producer price has sparked criticism from various quarters. On September 25, 2026, COCOBOD revealed 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 to GH₵2,650 for a 64-kilogramme bag, up from GH₵2,587 in the previous season, an increase of GH₵63.
The new price has been met with disappointment from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which claims it falls short of the campaign promise of GH₵6,000 per bag. Former Head of Corporate Affairs for the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Fiifi Boafo, has also expressed concerns, stating that the government faces a credibility challenge over the new cocoa pricing.
According to Fiifi Boafo, the government, while in opposition, had accused the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia administration of being unfair to cocoa farmers. He noted that some government communicators had even mentioned higher figures, with one suggesting GH₵7,000 per bag. Boafo's comments were made during an interview on the BigIssue segment of the NewDay morning show on TV3 on September 29, 2026.
The NPP's criticism of the new price as inadequate has added to the government's credibility challenge. The party's concerns reflect a broader debate about the government's commitment to supporting cocoa farmers. Ghana is a significant player in the global cocoa market, and the government's policies have a substantial impact on the industry.
The COCOBOD Chief Executive, Dr. Ransford Annetey Abbey, made the announcement on September 25, 2026, which marked the reopening of the 2026/27 cocoa season. The new price represents a modest increase from the previous season, but it appears to have failed to meet the expectations of many stakeholders.
Fiifi Boafo's comments highlight the challenges the government faces in maintaining credibility with cocoa farmers and other stakeholders. The government's campaign promises had raised expectations, and the new price has been seen as insufficient. The issue has sparked a renewed debate about the government's commitment to supporting the cocoa industry.
The credibility challenge facing the government is significant, given the importance of the cocoa industry to Ghana's economy. The government will need to navigate these challenges carefully to maintain the trust of cocoa farmers and other stakeholders. The issue is likely to continue to be a topic of discussion in the coming weeks and months.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government's new cocoa price has sparked criticism for falling short of campaign promises.
- The opposition NPP has described the price as inadequate.
- The government faces a credibility challenge over the new cocoa pricing.
