Ghana Civil-Society Cocoa Platform (GCCP) has expressed deep concern and disappointment over the government’s recently announced cocoa producer price for the 2025/2026 season.
At a press conference in Accra, a statement presented by Mr. Isifu Isaaka, President of the Ghana Cocoa Cooperative Society, outlined the platform’s dissatisfaction with what it describes as misleading pricing figures and broken promises to cocoa farmers.
According to the GCCP, while the newly announced farmgate price of USD $5,040 per metric tonne appears to reflect a significant 62% increase over last season’s USD $3,100, this does not translate into real benefits for Ghanaian farmers. In local currency terms, the price per 64kg bag has only increased marginally—from GH¢3,100 to GH¢3,228.75, a rise of just 4.1%.
“This increase may look impressive on paper, especially in dollar terms, but the reality on the ground is quite different,” Mr. Isaaka stated. “This small increment cannot meaningfully improve farmers’ livelihoods, especially given the harsh economic realities they face.”
Unmet Promises and Pricing Concerns
GCCP raised strong concerns over inconsistencies between earlier assurances by government officials and the current pricing strategy. They noted that both the President and the Minister of Agriculture had pledged cocoa farmers would receive 70% of the global market price. However, the new figures are based on the Free on Board (FoB) price, which is significantly lower than actual world market prices.
“These discrepancies cast doubt on the transparency of the pricing mechanism and create mistrust among farmers,” Mr. Isaaka added.
Farmers Still Struggling Despite New Price
Despite the upward revision, GCCP noted that farmers are still battling major structural challenges such as:
- High production costs driven by expensive inputs and labor
- Climate change effects, including erratic rainfall and the spread of diseases like black pod
- Smuggling caused by cross-border price differences
GCCP emphasized that these challenges continue to erode farmers’ incomes and threaten the sustainability of the cocoa sector.
Mixed Reaction to Government Support
The platform acknowledged recent efforts by government to reintroduce productivity-enhancing support, including input supplies and subsidy programs. However, it warned against politicization of these interventions, citing past instances where political operatives interfered at community and district levels.
GCCP also welcomed the rollout of the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System, describing it as a critical step toward compliance with the EU Deforestation Regulation taking effect in late 2025. However, the group raised alarm over the lack of awareness and preparedness among farmers to meet these new requirements.
Policy Recommendations for Sustainable Reform
To ensure a fair and resilient cocoa economy, the GCCP proposed the following key reforms:
- Mid-Term Price Reviews: To adjust prices in line with global market trends and help curb smuggling.
- Support for Local LBCs: Provide financing and policy support for local licensed buying companies.
- Address Structural Challenges: Improve access to affordable inputs, enhance climate resilience strategies, and strengthen extension services.
- Farmer Education: Equip farmers with training in agronomy, sustainability, and quality control.
- Infrastructure Development: Invest in rural road networks, storage facilities, and essential services in cocoa communities.
GCCP Reaffirms Advocacy Role
The Ghana Civil-Society Cocoa Platform reiterated its commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of cocoa farmers through research, advocacy, and policy engagement.
“We are ready to collaborate with government and all stakeholders to secure a dignified and sustainable future for Ghana’s cocoa sector,” Mr. Isaaka concluded.
About GCCP
The Ghana Civil-Society Cocoa Platform (GCCP) is an independent coalition of civil society organizations, NGOs, farmer associations, and community-based groups dedicated to influencing cocoa sector policies and advocating for improved farmer livelihoods.
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