COCOBOD defends decision to maintain Cocoa producer price amid Global Market decline

The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has justified the government’s decision to maintain the producer price of cocoa for the 2026/2027 crop season, describing it as a deliberate effort to protect the incomes and livelihoods of cocoa farmers despite falling prices on the international market.

The government recently announced that the producer price for cocoa will remain unchanged for the upcoming season, with purchases set to begin on June 18, 2026.

Under the approved pricing structure, Grade I and II cocoa beans will continue to be purchased at GH¢41,241.76 per load of 30 kilograms and GH¢2,587.00 per bag of 64 kilograms gross. The producer price per tonne also remains fixed at GH¢41,392.00.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Friday, June 12, the Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD, Jerome Kwaku Sam, said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to cushioning farmers from the impact of declining global cocoa prices.

According to him, previous adjustments to producer prices were influenced by significant drops in international market prices, which had fallen from about $8,000 per tonne to nearly $4,200 per tonne. He noted that global cocoa prices continue to fluctuate at lower levels, ranging between $3,000 and $4,000 per tonne.

“For us to even maintain the price as it is now is a reflection of government’s commitment to protecting the livelihood and income of the cocoa farmer,” Sam stated.

He explained that although international market conditions have worsened, Ghana has opted not to transfer the full burden of the price decline to local cocoa farmers.

Sam further highlighted the situation in neighbouring Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer, where he said farmers currently receive significantly lower prices for their produce than farmers in Ghana.

“I’m currently in Côte d’Ivoire for meetings between Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, and I can tell you that they are not selling even up to GH¢1,200 per bag. In some cases, a bag of cocoa can be bought for around GH¢1,000,” he said.

He stressed that maintaining Ghana’s producer price at GH¢2,587 per bag demonstrates the government’s resolve to shield cocoa farmers from the volatility of the global cocoa market.

According to Sam, the decision forms part of broader efforts to sustain farmer incomes, support cocoa-growing communities, and preserve the long-term viability of Ghana’s cocoa sector despite ongoing challenges in the international market.

Prince Antwi

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