The Minority Caucus in Parliament is demanding answers from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government on why current Producer Price of Cocoa has not been adjusted.
They have expressed worry about the delay and described it as a stab in the back of cocoa farmers in Ghana and a sharp contrast to the NDC’s manifesto promise that “the NDC government will ensure regular price increments in line with the world market trends”.
The caucus, at a press conference in Kumasi on April 14, represented by Isaac Yaw Opoku, Offinso South MP, questioned the NDC, “were the promises by Hon. Eric Opoku, the current Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson also the current Minister for Finance and other leading members of the NDC to pay cocoa farmers GHC6,000 per bag, made in vain or they were mere propaganda just to win votes?”
The MP described as untenable, reasons cited by COCOBOD in two separate releases as to why they are unable to adjust the producer price.
The Ranking Member of Parliament- Food and Agriculture and Cocoa Affairs Committee also asked, “is government and COCOBOD telling cocoa farmers in particular and Ghanaians in general that between now and the 30th of September, when 2024/25 crop Season ends, there won’t be any price adjustment irrespective of what happens to the international and local market?”
Mr Opoku further asked, “Is the NDC also reneging on their campaign promise to pay the cocoa farmer 70% of the FOB price?”.
On April 8, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) announced that the producer price of cocoa will remain unchanged for the 2025/2026 season.
In a letter to the Licensed Cocoa Buyers’ Association of Ghana (LICOBAG), COCOBOD explained that the decision followed a thorough assessment of the operational and financial implications for the local cocoa industry.
“This decision comes after careful consideration of the operational and financial implications for the cocoa industry,” said Dr. James Kofi Kutoati, Acting Deputy Chief Executive, Operations, in the letter dated April 8, 2025.
The Board said the move aims to preserve stability and long-term sustainability within Ghana’s cocoa sector.
By Benjamin Aidoo
