The Ghana Cocoa Board has begun settling long-overdue payments to cocoa farmers, releasing GH¢237 million for the purchase of 50,000 metric tonnes of cocoa beans.
The update was confirmed by the Board’s Head of Public Affairs, Jerome Kwaku Sam, amid growing frustration from farmers who have faced months of delayed payments across several cocoa-growing communities.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, February 18, Mr Sam announced that payments had officially started, expressing optimism that the move would bring some relief to affected farmers. The disbursement comes at a time when Ghana’s cocoa sector is under significant financial strain, with liquidity challenges affecting both farmers and industry operations.
As part of broader efforts to stabilise the sector, government has also adjusted the producer price for the remainder of the 2025/2026 cocoa season. The new price now stands at GH¢41,392 per tonne, equivalent to GH¢2,587 per bag. Officials say the revision is meant to protect farmers from the impact of declining global cocoa prices while keeping the industry financially sustainable.
In addition to the farmer payments, COCOBOD has announced internal cost-cutting measures aimed at easing cash-flow pressures. According to a press release dated Monday, February 16, 2026, executive management salaries have been reduced by 20 percent, while senior staff will take a 10 percent cut. The Board estimates these measures could save about GH¢5 million every month throughout the current crop year.
Authorities say the combination of farmer payments, price adjustments, and internal savings is intended to restore confidence in the cocoa sector and ensure its long-term stability, as stakeholders continue to call for timely payments and stronger support for farmers nationwide.
Source: Africa Publicity
