“Cocoa Farmers Cry Foul: Govt Slashes Price, Delays Pay”
Cocoa farmers in Ghana’s Ashanti Region are frowning at the government’s decision to slash the producer price of cocoa from GH¢3,625 to GH¢2,587 per bag, blaming it on falling global prices. The Cocoa Farmers Association of Atwima Mponua has petitioned the District Chief Executive, seeking intervention on the price cut and delayed payments.
The farmers are particularly unhappy about the delayed payments for cocoa beans sold since November 2025, with some threatening to abandon their farms due to financial strain.
At a press conference, Hon. Seth Osei Akoto, deputy ranking member for food and agriculture and MP for Atwima Mponua constituency, laid the blame squarely on the government’s doorstep for mismanaging the cocoa sector. “They didn’t arrange the market price well,” he said, voicing the frustrations of farmers. The delayed payments have worsened the situation, leaving many struggling to survive.
The situation is dire, with some farmers considering selling their farms to illegal miners – a move that could devastate the environment and economy.
The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has promised to address the issue, but farmers are wary, having heard empty promises before. “We need concrete actions, not just promises,” one farmer demanded.
Farmers are crying out for a fair price for their produce and timely payments to safeguard their livelihoods. The cocoa sector is a vital part of Ghana’s economy, and the government must act fast to address these concerns and ensure its sustainability. As one farmer warned, “If the cocoa industry dies, we all die.”
The ball is now in the government’s court to take urgent action and restore the farmers’ faith in the system. With the cocoa sector hanging in the balance, the government would do well to heed the warning. The farmers are not asking for much – just a fair deal for their hard work..
