The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana has strongly criticized the government's announcement of a GH¢2,650 per 64kg bag cocoa producer price for the 2026/27 crop year, describing it as both inadequate and unlawful. This price represents a mere 2.4 percent increase from the previous season's reduced price. According to the NPP, this figure falls short of the statutory threshold established under the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182).
The NPP's critique centers on Section 57 of Act 1182, which stipulates that the producer price must not be less than 70 percent of the Gross Free-on-Board (FOB) price realized by the Cocoa Board. Although the government claims the GH¢2,650 figure is 71.18 percent of the Gross FOB price, the NPP disputes this calculation. Based on international market prices ranging between US$5,500 and US$6,000 per tonne, the NPP argues the minimum lawful price should be approximately GH¢2,968.44 per bag.
The NPP highlighted that farmers are being underpaid by approximately GH¢318 on every bag, or more than GH¢5,000 on every tonne of cocoa produced. This discrepancy arises from the government's computation method, which the NPP claims does not accurately reflect the international market prices and the Living Income Differential (LID). The party's policy secretariat has called for a review of the price, citing the need for compliance with Act 1182.
The NPP also recalled campaign pledges made by senior government figures, including promises of a GH¢6,000 per bag cocoa producer price. Instead, farmers experienced a drastic downward revision in February 2026, when the government slashed the 2025/26 producer price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag mid-crop year. The NPP branded this move as arbitrary and unlawful.
Compounding these grievances, approximately GH¢4 billion worth of cocoa beans delivered to COCOBOD during the 2025/26 crop year remains unpaid. The Chamber of Cocoa Marketers reported this significant debt, which has left Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) and farmers skeptical about prompt payments for the upcoming season. The NPP has demanded immediate action to address these concerns.
The NPP has outlined a five-point demand for the government to correct course and protect farmers' livelihoods. These demands include full disclosure of the computations underlying the GH¢2,650 price, statutory compliance with Act 1182, refunding of arrears to farmers, settling 2025/26 debt, and establishing a credible financing plan for the 2026/27 season.
The NPP emphasized that cocoa producers deserve transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to the laws governing the sector. The party's statement concluded that 70 percent of the Gross FOB price, as prescribed by law, is not GH¢2,650. The government faces mounting pressure to review and adjust the producer price to ensure compliance with national laws and protect the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
Key points
- The NPP criticizes the government's GH¢2,650 cocoa producer price as unlawful and inadequate.
- The price does not comply with Section 57 of the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026 (Act 1182).
- The NPP demands a review of the price and settlement of outstanding farmer arrears.
