BY Issah Olegor
The government of Ghana has announced a fresh increase in the producer price of cocoa for the 2025/2026 crop season, raising it from GH¢3,278.75 to GH¢3,625 per 64-kilogram bag.
The new price translates to GH¢58,000 per tonne and represents the second upward review within just two months of President John Dramani Mahama’s administration after the initial increment was greeted with protest from cocoa farmers.
The decision, approved by the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC) and announced by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is part of efforts to ensure Ghanaian cocoa farmers remain competitive in the face of changes in the global cocoa market.
Background to the Price Adjustment
In August 2025, the government made an increase in the producer price, raising it from $3,100 to $5,040 per tonne — a 62.58 percent jump.
At the time, officials justified the adjustment as necessary to reflect projections in world cocoa prices and exchange rate dynamics.
That decision pegged Ghana’s farm gate price at 70 percent of the gross Free on Board (FOB) value.
However, global developments have forced yet another review. On October 1, Ivory Coast, Ghana’s biggest competitor in cocoa exports, raised its own producer price, prompting Accra to respond swiftly to avoid smuggling of beans across the border and to maintain Ghana’s position in the international cocoa market.
Government’s Justification
Speaking at a press briefing in Accra, Dr. Forson explained that the price hike was driven by the need to keep pace with market realities and protect farmer welfare.
“You will recall that in August 2025, the government announced a producer price of GH¢3,278.75 per bag, equivalent to GH¢51,660 per tonne, translating to about $5,040 per tonne.
That was based on world market forecasts and exchange rate outlooks. But given the latest market shifts and Ivory Coast’s adjustment, we had to respond accordingly,” he said.
He stressed that effective Friday, October 3, 2025, cocoa farmers would now earn GH¢3,625 per bag, a GH¢400 increase per bag.
“This means every cocoa farmer will take home more money, which is in line with our commitment to improving livelihoods,” he added.
The new adjustment is still short of the GHC6000 campaign promise.
Implications for Farmers and the Economy
Cocoa remains Ghana’s largest agricultural export, employing over 800,000 smallholder farmers and serving as a key source of foreign exchange.
