By Daniel Bampoe
Cocoa farmers across the Western and Western North Regions- Sefwi, Asunafo, and Amenfi districts have staged massive protests in response to a mid-season reduction in the cocoa farmgate price, rejecting the National Democratic Congress NDC government’s decision to reset the price from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag.
The demonstrations, which drew farmers of all ages—including elderly producers and women—highlight growing frustration with government policies perceived as breaking promises made during the 2024 election campaign.
Farmers Speak Out
At the heart of the protests is the sharp income loss caused by the new pricing structure.
Reports indicate that the cut represents nearly a 28.6% reduction in earnings per bag, sparking fears that smallholder farmers will struggle to cover basic production costs, including fertilizers, labor, transportation, and maintenance of farms.
Kofi Owusu, a cocoa farmer told journalists, “We were promised fair prices, yet today our hard work is being punished. How do we pay our workers or care for our families with this kind of cut?”
Farmers also expressed concern that the mid-season adjustment could encourage smuggling of cocoa beans to neighboring Ivory Coast, where farmgate prices have remained stable.
For many, the price reset has created both financial strain and uncertainty about the future of cocoa farming in Ghana.
Government Justifications
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) and the Ministry of Finance have cited declining global cocoa prices and liquidity challenges as the primary reasons for the reduction.
Earlier in the 2025/2026 crop year, COCOBOD had set a price reflecting a 62.58% increase in dollar terms to US$5,040 per tonne, but the mid-season recalculation has left farmers feeling blindsided.
President John Dramani Mahama, speaking at a public event, emphasized his personal connection to cocoa farming, stating that he planted cocoa on a 50-acre farm and feels the impact of pricing decisions.
While intended to demonstrate empathy, many farmers interpreted his remarks as out of touch, arguing that the President’s compensation and state privileges shield him from the financial hardships faced by smallholder producers.
Political And Sectoral Reactions
Opposition politicians have strongly condemned the price cut. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, MP for Ofoase-Ayirebi, read a statement in Parliament calling the reset a “matter of life and death” for the nation’s one million cocoa farmers.
He urged the government to reconvene cabinet and restore the previous farmgate price of GH¢3,625, warning that repeated policy reversals could undermine trust, investment, and the long-term motivation of young people to enter cocoa farming.
They note that while external market conditions—such as fluctuating global cocoa prices—play a role, the current crisis is compounded by internal inefficiencies and operational challenges within COCOBOD, including staffing and procurement decisions.
Previous administrations, particularly under the NPP, had maintained farmgate prices despite similar external shocks, further fueling criticism of the current handling of the sector.
Historical Context
Ghana, the world’s second-largest cocoa producer after Côte d’Ivoire, has historically been sensitive to farmgate price adjustments, as cocoa remains a major source of foreign exchange and livelihoods for over 800,000 farm households.
During prior international market downturns, government interventions ensured farmers were shielded from dramatic income losses, a benchmark now cited by critics of the Mahama administration.
Calls for Action
Farmers and civil society actors are calling for urgent measures to restore previous pricing, improve transparency in COCOBOD operations, and implement policies that protect smallholder incomes.
They warn that failure to act could trigger further unrest, diminish production incentives, and weaken the position in the global cocoa market.
