The government has announced a reduction in the cocoa producer price to GH¢41,392 per tonne and GH¢2,587 per 64-kilogramme bag for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season, citing falling global prices and growing liquidity challenges within the sector.
At a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson said the move was aimed at aligning local prices with prevailing international market conditions while minimizing the impact on farmers.
He recalled that the 2025/2026 season commenced in August 2025 with a producer price of GH¢51,660 per tonne. That figure was based on 70 percent of a projected gross free-on-board (FOB) price of 7,200 US dollars per tonne, calculated at an exchange rate of GH¢10.25 to the dollar.
In October 2025, after Côte d’Ivoire raised its producer price and exchange rate movements shifted market dynamics, Ghana adjusted its farm gate price upward to GH¢58,000 per tonne (GH¢3,625 per bag). The decision, he noted, helped keep Ghana’s cocoa competitive and reduced the risk of cross-border smuggling.
However, from October onward, global cocoa prices began to decline sharply, dropping from an average of 7,200 dollars per tonne to about 4,100 dollars per tonne. According to Dr. Forson, the steep fall rendered Ghana’s cocoa relatively expensive and placed significant strain on the finances of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
To address the situation, the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC), chaired by the Minister, reassessed the pricing structure for the rest of the season. He explained that the committee resolved to cushion farmers by pegging the new rate at 90 percent of the achieved gross FOB price of 4,200 dollars per tonne—well above the statutory minimum of 70 percent.
Effective Thursday, February 12, 2026, the revised price of GH¢41,392 per tonne represents a reduction of GH¢16,608 from the October 2025 rate, while the per-bag price of GH¢2,587 reflects a decrease of GH¢1,038.
Dr. Forson described the adjustment as unavoidable to ensure the sector’s sustainability, facilitate prompt payments to farmers, and restore liquidity to COCOBOD. Despite the reduction, he emphasized that government remains committed to protecting cocoa farmers by maintaining a 90 percent share of export earnings.
He concluded by expressing appreciation to cocoa farmers and stakeholders for their patience and sacrifices, assuring them that ongoing reforms are intended to safeguard their interests and strengthen the long-term viability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
