TUC Unions condemn COCOBOD Salary cuts, back sector reforms

The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU-Ghana) and the General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) have called for the immediate reversal of salary reductions imposed on senior and management staff at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). The unions described the 10% and 20% pay cuts as “unacceptable.”

In a joint statement dated February 17, 2026, the unions criticized COCOBOD management for implementing the salary reductions without consultation, a move they say contravenes labour laws and collective agreements. They highlighted that many affected staff are union members, making prior engagement both necessary and legally required.

While firmly rejecting the pay cuts, ICU-Ghana and GAWU expressed support for the broader reforms recently announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson aimed at restructuring COCOBOD’s operations.

The unions particularly welcomed the introduction of a new financing model, which earmarks 50% of Ghana’s cocoa output for the Cocoa Processing Company and other local processors. They said this strategy would boost domestic value addition, stimulate industrial growth, create youth employment, and strengthen Ghana’s export base.

“…Undoubtedly, these interventions will give COCOBOD and the Produce Buying Company a new lease of life and the impetus needed to deliver on their mandate to stabilise and transform the cocoa industry in Ghana,” the unions’ statement said.

Despite endorsing the reforms, the unions emphasized that cost-containment measures must respect due process and workers’ rights. They are calling for renewed dialogue with COCOBOD management to reach a mutually agreed path forward.