The Ghanaian government has announced a substantial increase in the producer price of cocoa for the 2025/2026 season, raising it from US\$3,100 to US\$5,040 per tonne—a 62.58% hike in dollar terms.
This adjustment aligns with President Mahama’s pledge to pay cocoa farmers 70% of the Free-On-Board (FOB) price, which stands at US\$7,200 per tonne. The new price, effective from 7th August 2025, translates to GHS51,660 per tonne or GHS3,228.75 per 64-kilogram bag, reflecting the government’s commitment to improving farmers’ livelihoods amid a strong Ghana Cedi and declining inflation.
In addition to the price increase, the government has reintroduced a free cocoa fertiliser programme, providing farmers with essential inputs such as fertilisers, insecticides, spraying machines, and fungicides to boost yields.
A new Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers will also be introduced, with implementation set for the 2026/2027 academic year. Furthermore, the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System will be rolled out to ensure compliance with EU deforestation regulations, enhancing the global marketability of Ghanaian cocoa by guaranteeing it is deforestation-free and ethically produced.
The reforms extend to the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), which will now focus solely on its core mandate of supporting cocoa farmers and improving the value chain. Quasi-fiscal activities will be prohibited, and ongoing cocoa roads projects will be transferred to the Ministry of Roads and Highways.
These measures aim to revitalize the cocoa sector, sustain its contribution to the economy, and reclaim Ghana’s position as a leading global cocoa producer. The government’s comprehensive approach underscores its dedication to safeguarding the interests of cocoa farmers and ensuring the long-term viability of the industry.