The government has announced a new increase in the farmgate price for cocoa beans, raising the amount paid to farmers from GH¢3,228.75 to GH¢3,625 per 64-kilogram bag, effective today.
This translates to a new producer price of GH¢58,000 per tonne, up from the GH¢51,660 announced in August 2025, marking a 12.27% increase — equivalent to GH¢400 more per bag.
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, made the announcement in Accra after a meeting with the Producer Price Review Committee (PPRC), which he chairs.
“Following extensive consultations with stakeholders, the government has decided to adjust the producer price to reflect market conditions and ensure better returns for our hardworking cocoa farmers,” Dr. Forson stated.
Other Stakeholder Fees Unchanged
While the producer price has been increased, all other margins, fees, and rates allocated to stakeholders such as the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) remain unchanged.
A statement from the Ministry of Finance emphasized COCOBOD’s continued commitment to supporting cocoa farmers through key interventions.
These include the free supply of:
- Liquid and granular cocoa fertilisers
- Insecticides
- Fungicides
- Spraying machines
- Flower inducers
New Initiatives for Cocoa Farmers
The government also reaffirmed COCOBOD’s plans to launch a Tertiary Education Scholarship Scheme for children of cocoa farmers in the 2026/2027 academic year, underscoring its broader commitment to farmer welfare.
“We remain committed to building a robust and sustainable cocoa sector that delivers real benefits to farmers and all stakeholders,” the statement noted.
Background and Production Targets
COCOBOD is targeting the purchase of 650,000 tonnes of cocoa for the 2025/2026 season.
In August this year, the government had already increased the producer price from GH¢49,600 to GH¢51,660 per tonne — representing 70% of the average Free on Board (FoB) price of cocoa, which then stood at $7,200 per tonne.
Traceability and Compliance with EU Rules
To ensure Ghana’s cocoa meets international standards, especially upcoming EU deforestation regulations, the government will introduce the Ghana Cocoa Traceability System in the 2025/2026 crop season.
The system will track cocoa from the farm level to the port, ensuring it is:
- Traceable
- Deforestation-free
- Free from child labour
- Fully compliant with EU requirements
“This new traceability system positions Ghana to meet global demands for ethical and sustainable cocoa production,” said Dr. Forson.
