Government has reduced the producer price of cocoa to GH¢41,392 per tonne (GH¢2,587 per bag) for the remainder of the 2025/2026 crop season, citing a steep decline in global prices and mounting liquidity constraints in the sector.
Announcing the decision at a press briefing at the Jubilee House on Thursday, February 12, 2026, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson said the move was necessary to reflect current market realities and safeguard the long-term sustainability of Ghana’s cocoa industry.
He explained that while the 2025/2026 season opened in August 2025 with a producer price of GH¢51,660 per tonne (GH¢3,625 per bag) —based on 70% of a gross Free-On-Board (FOB) price of US$7,200 per tonne—the global market has since taken a dramatic downturn.
“The world market price has dropped significantly from the average of 7,200 dollars per tonne to 4,100 dollars per tonne, making Ghana’s cocoa beans uncompetitive and creating liquidity challenges,” Dr. Forson stated.
To cushion farmers against the impact of the downturn, the Producer Price Review Committee (PPLC), chaired by the Minister, recommended a temporary adjustment structure.
“In order to cushion the farmer, the PPLC has recommended that the farmer be paid 90% of the achieved gross FOB of US$4,200 per tonne,” he announced.
He added: “Effective today, Thursday 12 February 2026, the new producer price for the remainder of the 2025-2026 crop season will now be 41,392 Ghana cedis per tonne and 2,587 Ghana cedis per bag.”
The Finance Minister acknowledged that the decision would be difficult for farmers but emphasized that it was unavoidable to ensure immediate liquidity for prompt payments and stabilize operations at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
He assured stakeholders that the government remains committed to protecting cocoa farmers, describing the reform measures as critical steps toward safeguarding Ghana’s most important agricultural export and ensuring the sector’s resilience amid volatile global markets.
