The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has begun disbursing GH¢237 million to stakeholders for 50,000 metric tonnes of cocoa, with plans for additional payments totaling GH¢835 million bringing the overall payout to GH¢1.1 billion for farmers at the previous season’s cocoa price, according to Jerome K. Sam, Head of Public Affairs.
This comes amid ongoing concerns from farmers over months-long payment delays in Ghana’s cocoa sector. In response, the government has rolled out reforms, including slashing the producer price for the rest of the 2025/2026 crop season to GH¢41,392 per tonne (or GH¢2,587 per bag). Officials say the cut cushions farmers against falling global prices while stabilizing the industry.
Speaking on Ahotor FM’s Citizen Kofi show, Sam explained: “The world market price, which was $4,200 per tonne, prompting the government to allocate 90% to farmers has now dropped to $3,000. That means the government and COCOBOD will absorb a $1,200 loss per tonne.”
In parallel cost-saving moves, COCOBOD announced immediate salary cuts for its leadership: 20% for executive management and 10% for senior staff, effective through the 2025/2026 crop year. A February 16, 2026, press release states these changes will save the board an estimated GH¢5 million monthly amid liquidity pressures.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson#ahotorfmonline.com