Ghana’s cocoa sector is facing one of its most challenging periods in recent history. On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, announced a reduction in the cocoa producer price from GH₵3,625 to GH₵2,587 per 64kg bag, effective immediately for the 2025/2026 crop season. The move, recommended by the Producer Price Review Committee, aims to align Ghana’s pricing with falling global cocoa prices and address cash flow challenges in the sector.
Global cocoa prices have dropped significantly, reducing Ghana’s competitiveness on the world market. The government said the adjustment is necessary to stabilize the industry and ensure timely payments to farmers. However, the reduction has sparked concerns among smallholder farmers, who rely on fair payments to meet daily needs. Critics argue that farmers bear the burden of structural issues while production costs continue to rise.
The government has also introduced measures to strengthen the sector, including a new Cocoa Board Bill, increased local cocoa processing, and innovative financing through domestic cocoa bonds. These reforms are intended to make the industry more sustainable and transparent.
While the price cut may ease fiscal pressures on the government, it underscores the vulnerability of Ghanaian farmers to global market shifts. Many hope that the combination of immediate price adjustments and long-term reforms will help create a more stable and fair cocoa industry.
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