The Ghana Cocoa, Coffee, and Sheanut Farmers Association (COCOSHE), the national body representing cocoa farmers, has expressed strong support for the government’s newly announced cocoa producer price for the 2025/2026 crop season.

At a press conference in Accra under the theme “Supporting Ghana’s Cocoa Vision – A United Voice of the Farmer,” COCOSHE President Alhaji Alhassan Bukari praised the government and the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) for what he described as a fair and forward-looking pricing decision.

The new price of GH¢3,228.75 per 64kg bag—equivalent to GH¢51,660 per tonne—represents 70% of the achieved Free-on-Board (FoB) price, a notable increase from the 63.9% share in the previous season. The previous price stood at GH¢3,100.

“This increase is a testament to the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of cocoa farmers, even in the face of exchange rate fluctuations and economic pressures,” Bukari stated.

He noted that in many other cocoa-producing countries, such conditions would have led to price cuts. “But in Ghana, the government and COCOBOD have chosen to protect farmers instead,” he added.

COCOSHE commended the inclusive and transparent approach used in determining the new price. According to the association, four farmer representatives participated in the Producer Price Review Committee, and all regional COCOSHE heads were consulted.

“This was not a decision made behind closed doors,” Bukari said. “We were part of the process, and we appreciate the openness shown by COCOBOD.”

COCOSHE also welcomed a series of new initiatives being rolled out by the government and COCOBOD to support the cocoa sector and improve rural livelihoods. These include:


  • Free distribution of fertilizers, insecticides, fungicides, flower inducers, and spraying machines starting in the 2025/2026 season.


  • Launch of the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System to align with international standards, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation.


  • Introduction of a Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers, beginning in the 2026/2027 academic year.


  • Transfer of the cocoa roads portfolio from COCOBOD to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, enabling COCOBOD to focus on its core responsibilities.

The association particularly lauded President John Dramani Mahama for initiating the scholarship scheme, calling it a “beacon of hope” for rural communities.

While endorsing the government’s overall efforts, COCOSHE also urged improved efficiency in the distribution of subsidised farm inputs, better communication on price-setting and exchange rate impacts, and expanded education for farmers on the new traceability system.

The association pledged its continued support to COCOBOD in rolling out these reforms, including sensitisation at the community level.

“Cocoa farmers are not saboteurs,” Bukari said. “We are partners in national development—hardworking and patriotic.”

He concluded with a call for unity and resilience among cocoa farmers.

“Let’s remain calm, cooperative, and hopeful. By speaking with one voice and staying committed, we can build a sustainable and prosperous future for Ghana’s cocoa sector.”