The Young Cocoa Farmers Association has expressed disappointment over the GH¢63 increase in Ghana’s cocoa producer price for the 2026/2027 crop season, arguing that the adjustment does not adequately reflect the rising cost of producing cocoa.
In a press statement dated September 27, 2026, the Association said although the new producer price falls below its expectations, it would accept the announced price for the new cocoa season.
The producer price has been increased from GH¢2,587 to GH¢2,650 per 64-kilogramme bag, representing an increase of GH¢63. However, the Association said the adjustment was insignificant considering the growing expenses farmers face in maintaining their farms.
According to the young farmers, the cost of cocoa production has continued to rise, particularly in areas such as labour, fertiliser, chemicals, transportation and general farm maintenance.
“Our expectation was for a price that adequately reflects the rising cost of cocoa production,” the Association stated.
The group maintained that its position on cocoa pricing has consistently been centred on the need for farmers to receive a fair and meaningful producer price, supported by a financing system capable of guaranteeing prompt payment for cocoa supplied.
The Association warned that the level of returns available to cocoa farmers could have implications for efforts to attract younger Ghanaians into the sector. It argued that young people would be more willing to take up cocoa farming if the industry offered returns that adequately reflected their investment, labour and resources.
“If Ghana is to attract young people into cocoa farming and encourage existing farmers to remain in the sector, the returns on their investment, labour and resources must be meaningful,” the statement said.
The young farmers also argued that the real measure of the new producer price would not simply be the amount announced by the authorities, but whether farmers could produce cocoa profitably, receive their payments promptly and have sufficient resources and motivation to invest in the following crop.
The Association said the marginal adjustment does little to change the economic position of cocoa farmers and provides limited incentive for young Ghanaians to regard cocoa farming as a serious and profitable business.
It stressed that cocoa farming should be approached as an economic enterprise rather than merely being regarded as a traditional occupation.
“Cocoa farming must be treated as a serious business, not merely a tradition,” the Association stated.
The group, however, expressed appreciation to the leadership and entire membership of Parliament for their intervention following its earlier appeal for the timely commencement of the 2026/2027 cocoa purchasing season.
The Association said its members remained committed to the future of Ghana’s cocoa industry despite their concerns about the newly announced producer price.
The statement was signed by Madam Adwoa Mensah, Executive Secretary, and Martin Adu, Convener, on behalf of the Young Cocoa Farmers Association.
