A concerned cocoa farmer has raised concern about the new producer price for the cash crop announced by the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
According to Mark Ewusi Arkoh, who is also the National Youth Organiser of the People’s National Convention (PNC), the GH¢128 increment producer price per bag is woefully inadequate, and will lead to dire consequences for the country.
“This paltry increase will undoubtedly lead to smuggling of beans where farmers are likely to seek better opportunities across borders, which will deprive Ghana of its valuable cocoa revenue,” he indicated in a statement released on Tuesday, August 5, 2025.
“The price announced looks uncompetitive and will potentially lead to a reduced yield for this season, and can impact the sector’s overall performance.”
He, therefore, urged government to prioritize the struggles of the cocoa farmers for competitive pricing.
“Farmers toil tirelessly, face numerous challenges to significantly contribute to Ghana’s economy,” he stressed, adding that a thorough research must be conducted for fair and competitive price to reflect current market values among neighbouring countries.
He also urged COCOBOD to be innovative and add value to cocoa beans from the farmer before selling.
“By valuing, prioritizing, and supporting cocoa farmers, the government ensures the sector’s growth, productivity, and contribution to the national economy.”
Find below the full statement:
Press statement
5th August, 2025
GHC 128 Cocoa Producer Price per Bag is Woefully Inadequate
The recent announcement of the 2025/2026 cocoa producer price has left farmers disheartened and concerned. The meager increment of GHC 128.00 is woefully inadequate, considering the rising costs of inputs, labor, associated risks, health challenges, and other production expenses.
This paltry increase will undoubtedly lead to:
– Smuggling of beans where farmers are likely to seek better opportunities across borders, which will deprive Ghana of its valuable cocoa revenue.
The price announced looks Uncompetitive and will potentially lead to a reduced yield for this season, and can impact the sector’s overall performance.
We urge the government to prioritize and reward the struggles of cocoa farmers, the backbone of the sector.
Farmers toil tirelessly, face numerous challenges to significantly contribute to Ghana’s economy.
We respectfully request that the government:
– Conducts a thorough assessment to review the producer price to determine a fair and competitive price amongst neighboring countries to reflect current market realities.
– Consider production costs by taking into account rising costs of inputs (fertilizers, pesticides, equipment) when setting the producer price.
– Cocobod must also be innovative enough to create diversity and add value to cocoa beans to help increase revenue in the sector.
By valuing, prioritizing, and supporting cocoa farmers, the government ensures the sector’s growth, productivity, and contribution to the national economy.
We hope for a prompt and favorable response.
Signed,
Mark Ewusi Arkoh
Concerned Cocoa Farmer/PNC National Youth Organizer
2025/2026 Cocoa Season: Gov’t raises Producer price by over 60%
