As frustration among some aggrieved cocoa farmers over delayed payment for their cocoa beans continues to mount, the Ghana Cocoa Board has clarified the situation, insisting that the development is not as widespread as it is made to appear.
The aggrieved farmers have been expressing their frustration that, since November last year, no payments have been received for their cocoa beans. This affected their living conditions, and others continue to wallow in debt
COCOBOD acknowledges that the situation remains a genuine challenge but requires some clarification.
The Real Situation – Setting the Record Straight
Speaking on the issue in an interview monitored by The High Street Journal, the Head of Public Affairs at COCOBOD, Jerome Kweku Sam, described it as regrettable that concerns over unpaid cocoa beans are creating anxiety among farmers and fuelling talk of smuggling.
He insisted that many farmers have already been paid for their cocoa deliveries, contrary to claims that payments have stalled across the board. However, he admitted that some farmers are still waiting for their money, and COCOBOD is not dismissing their plight.
Jerome Kweku Sam clarified that the payment delays are largely linked to specific Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) that sold cocoa beans without having secured off-takers or receiving advance payments from those off-takers. In such cases, he admits that the affected LBCs are unable to immediately settle payments owed to farmers.
“We find it very regrettable that some cocoa farmers saying that since November they’ve not had their monies for the cocoa that they’ve sold. It is not entirely the case because some of the farmers have received money and we also do acknowledge that some to haven’t and those who largely haven’t received money are those who made the sale of their cocoa beans to the LBC that did not have of off takers or direct monies coming in from the from the off taker,” the Head of Public Affairs of COCOBOD indicated.
He was, however, quick to add that this does not mean COCOBOD is turning a blind eye to their plight.
Efforts Underway to Address the Problem
He revealed that COCOBOD is currently engaging directly with the affected LBCs, holding meetings aimed at finding practical solutions that will enable them to receive funds and, in turn, pay the farmers who supplied the beans.
At the heart of COCOBOD’s response is a recognition that cocoa farming is not just an economic activity but a livelihood. Delayed payments, even when affecting only a segment of farmers, can disrupt household finances, school fees, healthcare decisions, and preparations for the next farming season.
Jerome Sam appealed for calm among farmers, assuring them that efforts are underway to ensure that no farmer is left unpaid because of challenges beyond their control. He also cautioned against smuggling, warning that while frustration is understandable, such actions could undermine the very system that protects farmers’ incomes in the long term.
He said, “Cocobod is in consultation or in a meeting with this affected LBCsto finding ways and means that we can pay them their their money so they can also settle whatever outstanding that they have with the farmer.”
The Bottomline
COCOBOD maintains that resolving the payment delays is a priority and says it remains committed to strengthening coordination between LBCs and off-takers to address the situation.
As it stands, COCOBOD says the focus is on dealing with the situation at hand to bring relief to the affected farmers and restore confidence in the country’s cocoa ecosystem.
