Cocoa farmers across the country are threatening to embark on a nationwide demonstration next week over unpaid monies owed by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for cocoa beans supplied since November 2025.
The farmers say the prolonged delay in payments—now stretching into weeks—has pushed many of them into severe financial distress, making it difficult to meet basic needs such as healthcare, school fees, and household expenses.
Speaking to the media, President of the Mankrong Cocoa Cooperative Farmers Association, Francis Teinor, called on COCOBOD and relevant government authorities to urgently settle the arrears to prevent unrest within the cocoa sector.
According to him, the situation is already having dire consequences on the livelihoods of farmers and their families.
“This situation is seriously affecting farmers. Some are sick and need medical care, but they don’t have money to go to the hospital. Do you want them to die? Schools have reopened and parents are struggling to pay fees,” he lamented.
Mr. Teinor further noted that farmers are unable to store their produce for long due to a lack of proper storage facilities, leaving them with no option but to sell cocoa without receiving payment.
“We cannot keep the cocoa because farmers don’t have storage facilities. As I speak, it has been about six weeks and there is still no money for cocoa farmers. This is badly affecting the entire sector,” he said.
He issued a strong warning to COCOBOD management, stating that failure to address the issue promptly could trigger protests.
“If the COCOBOD CEO does not act, he should expect something ugly from next week. Farmers are angry and ready to take to the streets,” he warned.
Story: Nyamebeye Kofi Ansah Sasraku