President John Dramani Mahama has announced a transformative cocoa pricing policy that will see Ghanaian cocoa farmers receiving at least 70% of the world market price for their produce.
He said this is aimed at restoring dignity and fairness to the nation’s agricultural backbone.
Speaking during a durbar with chiefs and residents of the Western North Region in Juaboso as part of his nationwide Thank You Tour, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to putting farmers first, vowing to correct longstanding injustices in Ghana’s cocoa economy.
“Western North is the heart of our cocoa industry, yet, I’m deeply aware that farmers here have been short-changed for too long, struggling with low prices, poor access to inputs, and minimal extension support. It is time to reward your sweat with justice,” President Mahama said.
The new policy, President Mahama explained, would be anchored on global cocoa pricing mechanisms, ensuring that Ghanaian farmers get a fairer share of international cocoa revenues. This, he stressed, is part of broader efforts to reform Ghana’s cocoa sector under new leadership at the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD).
Some of the reforms he mentioned was, guaranteed payment of at least 70% of global cocoa prices to farmers, distribution of improved seedlings and fertilizers, enhanced extension services, and prompt and fair compensation under the cocoa rehabilitation programme
Citing the damaging effects of swollen shoot disease and aging cocoa trees in areas like Bia and Juaboso, the President said restructuring the rehabilitation programme would be a top priority to revive yields and ensure sustained farmer incomes.
President Mahama also used the platform to invite young people into agriculture through his administration’s Feed Ghana Programme, which offers land preparation, irrigation support, block farms, and secure markets for produce.
“If you’re a young person interested in farming, we will back you regardless of your background, agriculture must be seen not just as a survival tool, but a career that offers wealth and dignity,” he assured.
However, the President expressed deep concern over the environmental devastation caused by illegal mining across forest reserves and river bodies in areas like Awaso, Dadieso, and Sefwi Ahwiaso, describing it as a national emergency.
“I must be honest, the destruction of our environment is beyond alarming. It is a crisis, pledging intensified action by the National Anti-Galamsey Task Force,” he declared,
President Mahama also warned illegal task force groups extorting from legitimate miners that they would face prosecution. To reinforce security in mining and border zones, a new Ghana Armed Forces forward base will be established at Punikrom.
