The Government of Ghana has announced a significant increase in the producer price of cocoa for the 2025/2026 crop season, raising it from GHS49,600 (US$3,100) to GHS51,660 (US$5,040) per tonne.
This adjustment represents a 62.58% rise in dollar terms and takes effect from 7 August 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, confirmed that the new price equates to 70% of the gross Free-On-Board (FOB) value of US$7,200 per tonne.
This move aligns with President John Mahama’s promise to ensure cocoa farmers receive 70% of the FOB price.
Dr Forson noted that the increase is backed by Ghana’s strong economic performance, including a resilient Cedi and declining inflation. At an average exchange rate of GHS10.25 to US$1, the price per 64kg bag of cocoa now stands at GHS3,228.75.
To shield farmers from income loss during the Cedi’s appreciation earlier this year, the government maintained the producer price at GHS49,600 per tonne, effectively subsidising farmers by GHS1,114 per bag. This support pushed the farmer’s share of the FOB price from 63.9% to over 99%.
In preparation for the new season, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has provided essential logistics such as jute sacks and has reintroduced the free cocoa fertiliser programme.
Farmers will benefit from free fertilisers (liquid and granular), insecticides, spraying machines, fungicides, and flower inducers.
Additionally, the government is introducing a Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for the children of cocoa farmers, set to begin with the 2026/27 academic year.
COCOBOD is also launching a Ghana Cocoa Traceability System to comply with the European Union’s Deforestation Regulation, effective 31 December 2025. This will enable Ghana to supply cocoa that is traceable, deforestation-free, and compliant with international standards.
Dr Forson reaffirmed that COCOBOD will now focus solely on its core mandate: boosting yields, enhancing the value chain, and improving the livelihoods of cocoa farmers.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways will henceforth handle all cocoa road projects, and a legislative amendment is underway to prohibit COCOBOD from engaging in non-core activities.
Source: Access Agric
Image Credit: Financial Times
