Government cuts cocoa price from GH¢51,660 to GH¢41,392 per tonne

The Government of Ghana has reduced the cocoa producer price from GH¢51,660 per tonne to GH¢41,392 per tonne, translating to GH¢2,587 per 64-kilogramme bag, for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season.

The new price was announced through the Ghana Cocoa Board as authorities moved to realign local prices with falling global market rates.

Government officials say the reduction became necessary after international cocoa prices dropped sharply, making Ghana’s earlier farmgate price unsustainable and discouraging buyers. The mismatch reportedly led to delays in bean purchases and outstanding payments to farmers. The price reset is intended to restore liquidity in the cocoa sector, revive buying activities, and ensure farmers who have already delivered cocoa are paid.

The government is also introducing a new financing model to support cocoa purchases and stabilize operations across the value chain.

The move has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers and civil society groups, who argue the cut will deepen hardship in cocoa-growing communities. The Parliamentary Minority has described the decision as harsh, estimating it represents nearly a 30 per cent reduction, and has called for measures to cushion farmers.

Cocoa remains one of Ghana’s top foreign exchange earners, and analysts say the latest adjustment highlights the growing pressure on producing countries as volatile global prices increasingly influence domestic farmgate policies.