The government’s recent adjustment of the cocoa producer price to GH¢41,392 per tonne (GH¢2,587 per 64-kg bag) for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season has stirred debate among farmer groups, economists, and policymakers. The downward revision, a response to a sharp decline in global cocoa prices, is aimed at stabilizing Ghana’s cocoa sector amid financial pressures but has triggered concerns over farmer incomes and regional competitiveness.
Reacting to the development, Alhaji Alhassan Bukari, President of COCOSHE, called on farmers to remain calm and focused despite the price revision. Alhaji highlighted the long-term perspective farmers must adopt in a volatile global market. “All farmers must exercise patience,” he said, emphasizing that fluctuations in price should not be a cause for panic but an opportunity to think strategically about future gains.
The price cut comes as global cocoa prices slid significantly, making Ghana’s previously set farm-gate prices less competitive on the world market. In contrast, earlier comparisons with Côte d’Ivoire, where farm-gate prices have at times appeared higher, have fueled fears of smuggling and lost revenue for Ghanaian producers. According to recent figures, Ivorian prices translate to roughly GH¢2,894 per bag versus GH¢2,587 in Ghana, a difference of about GH¢307 per bag. These disparities have been cited by stakeholders as a factor in cross-border cocoa movement.
Despite the short-term challenges, Alhaji Bukari remains optimistic. “If they are real farmers, they should take time. It will come back,” he said, underscoring his belief that market dynamics are cyclical and that prices will adjust favourably in due course. His comments reflect a broader message of resilience to farmers who have reportedly considered selling land or abandoning cocoa cultivation in favour of other ventures, including illegal mining activities known as galamsey.
Importantly, Alhaji Bukari also reminded farmers of the comprehensive support systems in place. “Apart from COCOBOD, which other institution in Ghana takes care of farmers’ inputs the way they do?” he asked, noting that subsidised fertilisers and chemicals, provided free under current government programmes, are key components of the value chain that help lower production costs and improve yields.
The Finance Minister, Ato Forson, has pointed to measures such as automatic pricing mechanisms that align farm-gate prices with global trends and protect farmers against future volatility. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to buffer farmers from harsh income shocks when global prices fall.
In the midst of the debate, there is growing recognition that the industry’s long-term strength lies in unity, measured decisions, and shared responsibility between farmers and government. As Alhaji Bukari aptly put it, “We must take our time. We should not politicise cocoa matters.”
