Dr Randy Abbey is the COCOBOD CEO
Cocoa farmers in Ghana have begun receiving payments after months of delays, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has confirmed.
Jerome Kwaku Sam, Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD, announced that GH¢237 million has been paid to farmers for 50,000 metric tonnes of cocoa.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Sam wrote, “I’m happy to report COCOBOD has started payment of the 50,000 metric tonnes. An amount of GH¢237 million has been paid.”
The announcement comes amid ongoing challenges in the cocoa sector, where farmers have raised concerns about delayed payments.
Recent government reforms have also adjusted the producer price for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season to GH¢41,392 per tonne (GH¢2,587 per bag), aiming to protect farmers against falling global cocoa prices.
COCOBOD management and senior staff take salary cuts
In addition to supporting farmers, COCOBOD is taking steps to strengthen its own financial position. The board revealed that salary reductions for executive management and senior staff (20% for executives and 10% for senior staff) could save an estimated GH¢5 million each month.
The cuts, which took effect immediately, will remain in place for the rest of the crop year.
Authorities say these measures are part of a broader effort to address liquidity challenges within the cocoa sector, ensuring that farmers receive timely payments while maintaining the stability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
NA/VPO
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