Ghana’s cocoa heartlands show divided reactions to the government’s new producer price of GH¢3,228.75 per 64kg bag for the 2025/2026 season.
Announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the rate—equivalent to $5,040 per tonne—marks a 4% increase in cedis but a 62.58% surge in dollar terms from last season. While some farmers welcome the rise and accompanying support measures, others call it inadequate for their grueling work.
Samuel Torbi, a 36-acre farmer and former “best cocoa farmer” in Assin North, backs the move. “President Mahama’s strategies help us—free fertiliser, chemicals, and scholarships for our children,” he told Business and Financial Times.
But he warned against politicizing the sector: “People who know the work are often removed when power changes.” At Assin Fosu, Comfort Larbi called the price “acceptable” but urged better roads and telecom access: “We hope it continues to increase.”
Dissenting voices emerged too. Joseph Adjalo of Assin Foso expected at least GH¢4,000 per bag. “To move from GH¢3,100 to GH¢3,228.75 is small,” he argued, demanding transparency in the new scholarship scheme for farmers’ children. Joseph Mensah, managing 15 acres, echoed the frustration: “This is not what we were expecting.”
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) will reintroduce free fertilisers, insecticides, and spraying machines starting this season. A tertiary scholarship for farmers’ children launches next academic year. Minister Forson emphasized that despite the cedi’s strength against the dollar—which could have justified price cuts—government maintained last season’s rate to protect farmers.
Globally, cocoa prices remain volatile. After historic peaks above $11,000/tonne early this year due to West African crop failures, prices settled near $8,100–$8,300 by August. The International Cocoa Organisation confirms one of the largest global deficits in two decades.
Industry groups offered measured support. The Côte d’Ivoire-Ghana Cocoa Initiative praised Ghana’s “sustained commitment,” while farmers’ association COCOSHE called the price “a step forward” but stressed timely input distribution and traceability investments.
For farmers like Larbi, the true test lies beyond numbers: “Will my daughter get that scholarship? Will trucks reach our harvest before rains ruin the roads?”