The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has released GH¢2.6 billion to Licensed Buying Companies (LBCs) to facilitate payments to cocoa farmers, with more than half of the amount allocated to clear outstanding debts owed to farmers who supplied cocoa on credit.
According to a statement issued by COCOBOD, about GH¢1.4 billion of the latest disbursement has been earmarked to settle the remaining balances owed by Licensed Buying Companies to affected farmers across Ghana’s cocoa-growing regions.
The latest payment brings the total amount released by COCOBOD to Licensed Buying Companies since the beginning of the 2025/26 cocoa season to GH¢34.52 billion for onward payment to farmers.
COCOBOD said it is working closely with Licensed Buying Companies to ensure all outstanding payments are made without delay and has put in place monitoring mechanisms to verify that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries.
“COCOBOD acknowledges the patience, resilience and understanding demonstrated by cocoa farmers during this challenging period and wishes to assure all cocoa farmers that no farmer will be denied payment for cocoa legitimately sold through the approved cocoa purchasing system,” the statement said.
The board advised farmers with outstanding payments to contact the Licensed Buying Company through which they sold their cocoa, adding that it will continue collaborating with industry stakeholders to ensure all outstanding obligations are fully settled.
According to COCOBOD, the latest disbursement demonstrates the government’s commitment to protecting the welfare of cocoa farmers and sustaining confidence in Ghana’s cocoa marketing system.
The board noted that prompt payment to farmers remains essential to preserving the integrity of the cocoa sector and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring farmers receive the full value of cocoa sold through the approved purchasing system.
COCOBOD also expressed appreciation to cocoa farmers for their continued contribution to Ghana’s economy and pledged to work with the government and other stakeholders to strengthen the cocoa value chain, improve farmer welfare and promote the long-term sustainability of the country’s cocoa industry.
